Permission slip arrived today. It says you CAN opt out. In three separate categories. Videotaping (although they obliquely admit it might not be possible), survey taking, and inclusion of your child's assignments in the anonymous collection of student work samples.

There is no mention of restrictions on placement in the permission form. In fact, it states, "We are not asking teachers or student to do anything special or different because of this study - we simply want to gather information in classrooms as teachers and students enrage in their regular activities."

I don't know what is going on.