Survey Confidentiality Statement

The professionals at the School Study Council of Ohio have conducted survey research for over
40 years. In all of our survey work we guaranteed confidentiality to all of our respondents. We
have never violated their trust.

There is a difference between anonymity and confidentiality: anonymity guarantees that there
is no record of a respondent's identity, while confidentiality guarantees that information about respondents will be kept in confidence and used appropriately. Because any communication requires some record of respondents' identities, we cannot guarantee anonymity.

Confidentiality is a matter of trust. In all of our survey work we assure confidentiality to all respondents. Your district personnel know our reputation for integrity and do not expect us to reveal responses by individuals. We do not do work of this nature for members who would expect otherwise.

It is standard professional procedure to collect demographic information about respondents, such data being reported in aggregate to ensure validity in the number and type of responses. The best way we know to improve public education is to seek advice from knowledgeable, professional educators. Your district should be commended for its willingness to make policy based upon research and to include opportunities for professionals to provide suggestions.