2011 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)
The most recent youth study was conducted in the fall of 2011. Letters addressed to the principals and district superintendents of the selected grades/buildings were mailed in June, 2011. PCCD staff and its survey contractor, SmartTrack, also contacted schools selected as part of the statewide random sample by telephone and e-mail. Youth from across the state participated in the survey during the months of September through December. Currently, SmartTrack is scanning the survey instruments and processing the data for the local and statewide reports. For additional information, contact Geoff Kolchin at (717) 265-8483 of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Schools that were not selected as part of the statewide random sample, may still elect to participate in the survey offcycle. If your school would like to participate offcycle or for 2013, please contact SmartTrack at (866) 714-8080.
2009 Anytown School District (new) - this is a sample of what a local report looks like
Timeline for School Administrators
SmartTrack
Proctor User Guide for Online Administration
Return Shipping Info
New Documents explaining the PAYS - we have several new documents explaining the PAYS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - answers many questions people have about the survey
It PAYS to Ask - describes the many benefits that can be derived from survey participation
Information for School Counselors - this document was designed specifically for school counselors to explain what the PAYS is and how information from the PAYS can help them with their mission to help students
Potential Funding Sources - lists potential funding sources to finance the administration of the youth survey
Sample Survey Booklets
There are two versions of the survey. School adminstrators may select either version.
Survey WITH family questions (.pdf)
Survey WITHOUT family questions (.pdf)
Sample Parental Consent Forms for School Administrators' Use
Administrators should use the type of parental consent (passive or active) that their school uses for other activities that require parental consent. These forms are in Microsoft® Word format can be modified and printed on school letterhead.
Sample Parental Consent Form - Passive Consent (.doc)
Sample Parental Consent Form - Passive Consent (Spanish) (.doc)
Please note in the last paragraph in the passive consent letters (above the consent form), there are three brackets that need to be completed by the schools before using. The first bracket should contain the month, day, and year the form needs to be returned. The second bracket is for the name of the survey organizer for the school. The third bracket should contain that person's telephone number.
Sample Parental Consent Form - Active Consent (.doc)
Sample Parental Consent Form - Active Consent (Spanish) (.doc)
Please note in the last paragrah in the active consent letters (above the consent form), there are two brackets that need to be completed by the schools before using. The first bracket is for the name of the survey organizer for the school. The second bracket should contain that person's telphone number.
List of Resources for Participants in the PAYS (.pdf) - a list of telephone numbers and web addresses for students who need help
