Parade of Surveys:  Minnesota Student Health Survey                                   by Anne Taylor

Administered to Grades 5 – 12 every 3 years in every Minnesota school district and private school

Minnesota Student Health Survey (administered every 3 years, from grades 5-12):  Approximately 104 questions in the form of a standardized test. This survey can be administered in pencil/paper, but lately students access surveys via school issued iPads, chrome books or computers.  Students log in using their personal student ID code that links them to the survey.  The Department of Education states that parents and legal guardians are to be notified by their school on the survey, however, many do not receive opt-out
information, or may simply overlook notification.  Parents are given the right to come into the school to view the survey, and may choose to opt their child out from taking it.  Note that data results are shared statewide, in order to evaluate student trends and is used for funding programs that appear to have a greater need based on data results.

*Attached is a PDF of questions asked of 7th grade students in the Spring of 2013 statewide.  Questions asked:  Gender, race, who the student lives with, attitudes about school, homework, values, grades and may include questions of religious views that may impact or change a certain behavior.  IEPs, free & reduced lunch programs, AP, honors or advanced classes. Disabilities and mental health treatment.  Height, weight and physical exercise.  Usage of
alcohol, drugs, cigarettes including E cigarettes.  Family incarceration. Physical and sexual abuse.  Sexual preference and sexual activity, types of birth control, STD’s as well as attitudes on sexual behavior are asked of the high school students.  In 2013, 7th graders were asked if they used a tanning bed and if they were working for pay.

Results of the statewide survey can be found on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website under “MN Student Surveys.”

If you didn’t know to opt your child out of the survey, your child was
automatically opted to participate in taking the survey through what’s called “passive consent.”  No parental notification required.

CLASSROOM TIME USED: 1 hour / 10 pages