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Research Requests
CCSD has a formal process for applying to do research within our district.

 

 

​How is research defined?

Research is defined as
· any data collection to be conducted from or about CCSD students, staff, or parents,  OR
 
· any analyses of internal or external databases containing CCSD student, staff, or school data. 
 
The following activities are not considered research:
· Observations or class visitations by university students or by individuals in such classes that are not covered by these procedures when no data collection is involved. Contacts regarding these visits should be made with the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Operations.
 
· Piloting of curricular/instructional materials or techniques where no data collection for external purposes occurs. Contacts should be made with the Assistant Superintendent for Performance Improvement.
 

 

What does “External research” mean? 

External research studies are those:

· Initiated by an outside agency or agent to be conducted in the school district; or

· Initiated by a CCSD staff person as an individual for purposes beyond his or her job role (e.g., thesis, course requirements, dissertation).

 

Internal research studies are those:

· Initiated by a District or school staff member on behalf of a school or the District, as part of a school or District research or program evaluation agenda.

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With whom does initial contact occur?

The first contact regarding external research should be with the Office of Assessment and Evaluation, rather than directly with school staff, principals, or individual staff members.

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What are the purposes of these procedures?

Purposes for District research and evaluation guidelines:

· To protect student and staff time from unauthorized or excessive data collection (and thereby protect instructional time).

· To review the request in light of current Federal and State privacy regulations and statutes, as well as professional and ethical research practices (and thereby protect students and staff from unintended negative consequences from research conducted in areas that have potential to be politically, emotionally, racially, and/or socially sensitive).

· To ensure that the research is of high quality and supports District goals and action steps (and thereby improves educational practices and benefits education in Cherry Creek Schools).

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How does someone make a research project application?

To make application for a research project, follow the steps below:
· Get an application (Attachment A) from the Office of Assessment and Evaluation, 720-554-5001. Research Request form
 
· Complete the application and have it signed by a qualified sponsor, namely a CCSD administrative staff member. If the research is in fulfillment of a class or degree requirement, CCSD also requires sponsorship by a college/university faculty member.
 
· Attach copies of any questionnaires, tests, or data collection instruments to be used.
 
· If data will be collected about or from individual students, both student consent and parental permission are required in most cases. Copies of consent and permission letters should be attached to the application. These letters should permit the parent and the student to give or decline full and informed permission and consent. Permission/consent letters must include the following:
    • Invitation to participate in the study, including the name of the primary researcher, title of study, and any other institution supporting the research.
    • Purpose of the study, including explanation of the major question(s) of interest.
    • Description of the procedure, including what the student will be asked to do and/or the kinds of questions students will be asked to think about.
    • Explanation of confidentiality, including description of how all information submitted by students will be kept confidential.
    • The following is a required statement on any parent consent form. “To the extent we are able, within the requirements of applicable laws and/or the Board of Education policies, all information gathered in this research will be kept confidential.” 
    • Explanation that participation is voluntary.
    • If applicable, explain how students will be compensated.
    • Explanation of potential risks and benefits.
    • List of contacts for questions and concerns.
    • The permission letter must be signed and dated by the parent/guardian.
    • The authorization of the child (by name) who has permission to participate and the school of attendance (by name) for the child.
· Sample Parent and Student permission forms are provided in Attachment B.
 
· Be sure to read the complete set of procedures.
 
· Submit the proposal electronically to: assessment@cherrycreekschools.org.
 

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What are timelines for submitting research requests and for receiving approval? 

Timelines for submitting research requests, receiving approval, and implementing research are as follows:

· Requests will be accepted and reviewed during the time period October 1 through April 15 of the school year.  Requests received after April 15 will be included in the next review cycle in the following school year.

· Please note that all requests to do research in the current school year must be submitted prior to Thanksgiving break of that year.

· Except by special arrangement, no research studies will be approved that involve data collection activities in the schools before October 1 or after April 15.

· Because of the multiplicity of commitments of the Assessment & Evaluation Office, the review of requests can take between 4-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the number of CCSD administrators (outside of the Office of Assessment and Evaluation) needed to adequately review the proposal. Priority is given to research that supports our Unified Improvement Plan. Also, the approval process can proceed most quickly when your research application follows guidelines as set forth in the CCSD research document.

 

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More details regarding Research Requests are available in the Research Request form.
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Copyright © Cherry Creek School District #5, 4700 S. Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 | 303-773-1184
Cherry Creek School District No. 5 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission to its programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations. The lack of English language skills shall not be a barrier to admission or participation in the district’s activities and programs. The Cherry Creek School District No. 5 also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance officer: District Compliance Officer or directly to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, Federal Office Building 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite #310, Denver, CO 80204.