Policy 6162.6 Educational Research and Continuous Improvement/Program Evaluation
(Policy Reference 6140)
Educational Research
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for the approval of educational research activities to be conducted in the District by individuals, colleges, organizations, universities, or outside agencies. An individual, organization, outside agency, or institution of higher education wishing to conduct formal research in the District shall submit a written proposal of such activity for approval purposes. Such research activities are not to interfere significantly with student instructional time, the normal operation of the school/District, or impact adversely on students or staff. In addition, the proposed research should provide benefits for the school or District. The Board of Education shall be advised of research activities that are approved.
Continuous Improvement/Program Evaluation
The District supports the process of continuous improvement. Therefore, Essential Questions are used to frame data collection and analysis for the process of continuous improvement planning. Data analysis is completed using student demographic and achievement data as well as survey/perception data from a variety of stakeholders. Data analysis is to be completed each year and the Board of Education shall be kept informed of major findings each year.
One component of improvement planning is District program evaluation. These activities should be scheduled base on: a) identified areas of study reflected in Essential Questions, b) approved long-range plans for curriculum alignment and benchmarking, c) the needs of special-purpose District and/or school committees. Audits of specific educational programs shall be planned as a part of ongoing program evaluation activities.
Date Approved -- March 12, 1996
Revised -- 6/2003
Reconfirmed -- 12/98
Practice Statement 6162.6 - Educational Research and Continuous Improvement/Program Evaluation
(Policy Reference: 6140)
Educational Research
Formal research activities including, but not limited to, proposed studies by university based projects or departments, outside organization or agency surveys or testing activities and individual projects or studies as part of college coursework or degree programs shall be subject to prior approval.
Research activities involving individuals, agencies, organizations, or colleges/universities outside the district shall require a written proposal to be approved by the superintendent or designee.
Research activities to be conducted within their school involving district employees for college coursework or degree program/purposes shall be approved by the principal. If the proposal by district employees involves research activities beyond the school in which they work, then the proposal will require approval by the Superintendent/designee.
All research activities shall be reviewed for approval based upon the following criteria:
- Degree of impact upon student/teacher instructional time or time required outside the classroom.
- Degree of information needed from student academic records or personal data.
- Degree of impact upon the normal school operation or schedule.
- Degree of benefit of the research activity to the school or district.
Any student participation in a formal research project shall have prior parent approval. Teacher participation shall be voluntary.
Continuous Improvement/Program Evaluation
District or school-wide data collection, assessments, or evaluations shall be conducted for the purpose of continuous improvement planning. Informal surveys or data collection in classrooms with students or within grade levels or departments are included in this category. Surveys conducted by students shall be approved by the principal/designee in conjunction with the classroom teacher. Written parent approval is required for all students who may be asked to complete such surveys.
Date Approved -- March 12, 1996
Revised -- 6/2003