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Evaluation & Research

Conducting Research in WCPSS


Introduction

The number of research projects proposed to WCPSS has been and continues to be larger than the district can accommodate. In addition, many of the projects proposed are inconsistent with our district's needs and priorities or do not appear to be of sound design. In determining whether to submit research applications to WCPSS, information on what is likely or unlikely to be approved may be useful to you. The following types of projects will be given priority:
  • Projects that address critical research needs of the school system. This is a list of our current needs*, please call 850-1903 to indicate an interest in one of these projects.
  • Competitive, grant-funded projects that have been subjected to peer review and have full-time faculty or contractors in charge of data collection. (Such studies should be likely to supplement the state or national research literature.)
  • Projects conducted by an employee of WCPSS as part of fulfilling requirements for an advanced degree or certification, if the research is otherwise sound.

Regardless of whether the application fits one of the categories already described, the following projects are usually denied.

  • Data collection as part of an individual college or university student’s class project, unless this data collection is solely through observations or archival records (no surveys).
  • Research that would require a large amount of teacher and/or student time or a loss of instructional time.
  • Data collection that includes requests for personal information about students or their families.

If you wish to apply to conduct research in WCPSS:

Links to: Selected WCPSS reports* on research and WCPSS Board Policy* on Research in WCPSS, (including Regulations and Procedures).

* Requires the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader