The Fishers One organization issued a statement Thursday claiming Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are not adhering to its own policy and state law in notifying parents of surveys being taken by their students.  HSE Schools say they are adhering to their policy and state law.

“Fishers One has received reports from parents that HSES has not requested parental
consent for to have their children participate in the recent Panorama Surveys for quite
some time,” according to the statement.  The group wants the school district to give notice and parental consent for “any personal analysis, evaluation or survey given to students not directly related to academic instruction.”

Fishers One also cites the Indiana Code, allowing parents access to educational materials used in the classroom.

The school district says it is following state law and providing parental notifications.

“HSE is acting in accordance with Indiana Code,” says HSE Spokesperson Emily Abbotts. “No students were/have been required to participate in the Panorama survey (which has been administered since spring 2019). Parents have been alerted via Skylert each year, a few weeks prior to the survey window, and offered an opportunity to opt their child out of the survey.”

School officials say the Panorama survey provides data leading to a safer and more supportive learning environment where students can see success in academics.  They add that the Panorama survey results are shared with families upon request.

The HSE District is offering the community an opportunity to review curriculum and continues to build on the data available at this link.