1. Introduction to Video Consent Forms

PACT has not developed a standard consent form. Here are five sample consent forms from different programs. All consent forms should include consent for the use of the video in the teaching performance assessment that looks at each candidate’s teaching (this will cover use in benchmarking & training as well). If you would like to use the videos in coursework or to show candidates samples of Teaching Event videos, you need to add that language to the consent form. (The sample consent form from Stanford has a sentence that addresses that use.) However, be aware that this addition may complicate obtaining school/district approval or consent from parents and guardians. If you wish to use the videos in research, then you need to go through your local IRB process (see the sample video consent form from UCSD that resulted from such a process); to use videos from other programs, you need to find out the process for obtaining permission, which may entail going through all their IRB processes as well.

Some of the consent forms here use passive consent, i.e., consent is presumed to have been given unless the form is returned stating otherwise. This is a dangerous practice, especially when consent homes are sent home with students and you have no idea whether or not the parent actually consented. We strongly advise that if you model your consent form after the samples provided that you change it to affirmative consent, i.e., consent is presumed to have been given only when a signed form is returned.

Be aware that you may find differing school or district requirements or policies. In that case, you either need to use different consent forms or try to develop a common consent form.

You should also acquaint your candidates with the consent form requirement as part of the ethical obligation as a professional to protect student privacy. They need to understand that they are bound by the consent provided and that the standard consent form does not cover showing the video to friends, family, or prospective employers.