The researchers, including the graduate student conducting the
interviews, represented KEEP when they visited the schools during the SEP&EP meetings. As the funding was provided through KEEP, there was a chance participants might be biased in their responses. However, the frequency of the visits and the ongoing communication helped develop a relationship with the Task Force members that encouraged candid exchanges and sharing of information related to the process. The participants were also assured their names and the school names would be kept confidential.