2023-24 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 2023-24 Surveys

Check Yourself

Check Yourself: This screening questionnaire is supported by King County and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration and provides instant individual feedback about health behaviors. Among other topics, questions are asked 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. 

Healthy Youth Survey

Healthy Youth Survey: This survey is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Health Care Authority Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, and the Liquor and Cannabis Board. This anonymous survey is given to 6, 8, 10, and 12 grade students in October. Among other topics, it asks questions about substance use, mental health, and close family relationships. Contact your student’s main office secretary to inspect and/or opt out. 

School Climate Surveys

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, 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. Please contact and/or visit the SPS Research Department webpage to inspect the survey and/or opt out. (research@seattleschools.org)

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

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. Mental and behavioral health questions are asked. The SDQ will be given in the fall/winter to 6th and 9th grade students attending FEPP levy-supported schools. Contact your student’s school nurse to inspect and/or opt out. 

Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Youth Risk Behavior Survey: This national survey is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is administered every other school year. Survey questions ask high school students about health behaviors including mental health, sexual behavior, substance use, physical activity, and nutrition. This anonymous survey will occur in October. Contact your student’s main office secretary to inspect and/or opt out. 

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Seattle Public Schools does not anticipate a United States Department of Education-funded survey containing questions in the eight identified topics in the 2023-24 school year. 

Questions?

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