Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

2022-23 PPRA Annual Notification of Rights

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) is a federal law that gives parents/guardians of elementary and secondary students rights regarding the collection of data for surveys, marketing, and certain physical exams. The Seattle School Board has adopted Board Policy No. 3232 detailing the rights and obligations of the PPRA. More information about the PPRA

The PPRA requires parents or guardians to be informed before students are asked questions in a survey about:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
8. Income, other than as required bylaw to determine program eligibility.

For surveys that ask questions about one or more of the eight identified topics, parents/guardians have the right to:

Receive notice, inspect upon request, and be given an opportunity to opt their student out of participation.

For surveys that ask about one or more of the eight identified topics and are funded in whole or in part by the United States Department of Education, parents/guardians have the right to:

Receive notice, inspect upon request, and provide consent prior to their student’s participation.

These rights will transfer from parents/guardians to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.

Anticipated 2022-23 Surveys

Check Yourself: Screening supported by King County that provides instant individual feedback about health behaviors. Among other topics, this survey asks questions about substance use, mental health, safety, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Middle and high schools plan to give Check Yourself to students in the fall, winter, and spring. Contact your student’s counseling office to inspect and/or opt out. 

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: This brief social and emotional questionnaire is used by school nurses as a tool to promote academic success and reduce barriers to learning. Questions are asked about mental health and illegal behavior. The SDQ will be given in the fall/winter to 6th and 9th grade students attending FEPPFamilies Education Preschool and Promise Levy More levy-supported schools. Contact your student’s school nurse to inspect and/or opt out. 

School Climate Surveys: This districtwide survey is administered twice a year (fall/spring) to students in grades 3-12. Its contents cover subjects related to student wellbeing, culturally responsive and anti-racist practices, and more. A section of the survey also includes questions on students’ social emotional wellbeing, gender identity, and (for students in grades 6-12 only) sexual orientation. All survey responses are anonymous and are used in schools and the district to align with Goals and Guardrails. 

Contact the SPS Research Department research@seattleschools.org to inspect and/or opt out for the academic year.

Seattle Public Schools does not anticipate a United States Department of Education-funded survey containing questions in the eight identified topics in the 2022-23 school year.

Questions?

Contact information for Assistant General Counsel Roxane O’Connor

Parents/guardians who believe their PPRA rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW