• KGD: External Research Studies

    Policy

    Before starting, all external research occurring at the District must be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the District’s Research Review Committee. External research is any research occurring at the District conducted by external organizations and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

    • Program evaluation
    • National surveys/studies
    • Letters of support for research studies
    • Grants proposed at the District which require/include evaluation
    • Academic studies conducted by universities or other groups
    • Academic studies in pursuit of a degree, including research done by District staff

     

    Research conducted within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District will be limited to studies that provide tangible benefits to CMSD, its educators, families, and students. Therefore, research applications must demonstrate a direct, explicit connection to the goals of the District. The Research Review Committee judges applications based on the level of benefits provided to the District and its students; the amount of burden placed on district personnel, students, and families; the extent to which the research minimizes risks to participants; compliance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, JOA: Student Survey and Non-Emergency Examinations or Screenings; and any other guidelines for cooperative research as set by the Office of Research and Evaluation.

     

    Any requests for or collection of data protected by FERPA as part of the research project require a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or Data Sharing Agreement (DSA). Such MOU or DSA must be submitted for and approved by the District before the project begins.

     

    Individual participation in authorized research studies must be voluntary and use informed consent and assent (where appropriate).

     

    The Office of Research and Evaluation ensures the results stemming from research proposals are accessible for dissemination, professional development, and general educational purposes.

    History

    • Adopted: June 15, 2014
    • Amended: January 25, 2022

    Legal References