Conducting Research in the Jefferson County Public Schools

The Jefferson County Public Schools have long been interested in promoting research within the district. Both internal and external research activities are conducted continuously throughout the district to help students, teachers, support staff, and administrators make informed decisions.

The Data Management, Planning, and Program Evaluation Dept.t not only conducts its own research activities but acts as a clearinghouse for external research initiatives.  Using the Research Request forms found on this page, the Unit provides an initial screening of research requests, looking for awareness and attention to several issues.  These include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

  • appropriateness for public school settings
  • concern for confidentiality of individuals, students, families, schools, and work units
  • amount of intrusiveness of the research activities
  • time and effort required of staff and district resources
  • appropriateness of research methods, statistics, and likely conclusions* (Appropriateness of conclusions does not screen for possible criticism but rather looks to see if the proposed conclusions can be drawn from the data collected.)

Additional information can be found on the form “Conditions Related to Conducting Research in the Jefferson County Public Schools.”

Individuals wishing to conduct research within the district are invited to complete a Research Request form and submit it as directed on the form.  A reply will be sent, usually within 2 weeks, indicating whether the research has been approved.  The letter does not guarantee that a school or any individuals will agree to participate.  It will be the responsibility of the researcher to demonstrate why participation is a good thing.  In schools, this usually involves working closely with a teacher or with the School Council.  Teachers, principals, and school councils have final authority to agree or not to participate in any external research.

The primary function of public schools involves student learning.  Any information which assists in that function is welcomed.
Research Request Form

 

 

Date Modified 4/4/12