PERMISSION TO CONDUCT RESEARCH
The Board of Education recognizes the value of educational research, which brings valid and reliable information to assist teachers, administrators, and other staff members in making instructional decisions.
The District is especially interested in research in the areas of:
- Student Achievement (e.g., studies that: identify ways to close the achievement gap for minority students; analyze the effectiveness of a year-round school calendar, summer school programs, character education, or prevention programs; explore student safety issues; identify barriers to student achievement; determine the effectiveness of Jeffco Schools ILPs.)
- School-to-Work (e.g., studies that: assess how well Jeffco Schools graduates are prepared to enter college or workforce; examine the changes in community college entrance requirements and effects on admission for Jeffco Schools graduates; assess if Jeffco Schools curriculum is aligned with employer needs and expectations.)
- Multi-Cultural Issues (e.g., studies that: examine/explain student achievement by racial, ethnic, or linguistic groups; assess Jeffco Schools' instructional programs for English Language Learners; analyze discipline, suspension, and dropout rates by racial, ethnic, or linguistic groups.)
- Changing Work Force Issues (e.g., studies that: examine comprehensive staff development; determine effective instructional coaching programs; examine the impact of new teachers and retaining teachers.)
APPLICATION FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH IN JEFFCO SCHOOLS
1. Read the Brief Summary of the Review Process. This is an overview of the entire process and explains each step as a study is reviewed.
2. Download the application requirements. This document lists and describes in a checklist format all of the required components of the application:
* Signed application form- Download and complete the Application form (in MS Word or PDF format) for conducting research in Jeffco Schools. The application form is intended to be used for quick reference and must not exceed five pages.
* Jeffco Public Schools Criminal Records Check Certification Form
Note: By signing this document you are acknowledging the lead researcher will be responsible to adhere to any Federal, State, and Local privacy and confidentiality requirements. This does not mean we will be performing a background check. It is simply a certification that the lead researcher has had a background check and acknowledges that anyone that could be involved with the school in any way, has had a background check. The application will be considered incomplete without this signature.
- Letter of approval from the institution's IRB or Human Subjects Review board
- Electronic copies of all research instruments
- Electronic copies of consent letters for students, parents, teachers. Carefully read Jeffco's requirements for informed consent in the Application Requirements document.
- Study description - must include all listed components. The study description is different and separate from the application form. Please do not replace one with the other or combine the two into one document.
- Application fee
3. Note Timelines below as you plan your study. No exceptions can be made for external applicants. Please be aware that the external research review process cannot begin until the application is complete.
TIMELINES
The external research process can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the application and the extent of district impact.
Applications will be accepted three times each year:
- February 1 for projects proposed to begin after June 1
- June 1 for projects proposed to begin after September 1
- December 1 (Jeffco Employees Only) for projects proposed to begin after February 1 the following year.
Applications received between these dates will be processed in the next application period. Approved projects will not be initiated in the schools after May 1. Approval is granted for one year. Researchers must reapply annually with any changes to the study clearly marked.
4. Submit your digital application using the Jeffco External Research Application Submission Form. Send the processing fee to:
Educational Research & Design
Jeffco Public Schools
1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg. #27
Golden, CO 80401-0001
DISTRICT POLICIES RELATED TO CONDUCTING RESEARCH
CONTACT
Jeffco Assessment & Research Department
[email protected]