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Data & Accountability

Conducting Research in WCPSS


Overview and Priorities

WCPSS values research designed to improve educational outcomes for our students. However, our key focus is on providing current students with the best education possible, and the number of research projects proposed to WCPSS is larger than the district can accommodate without unduly disrupting instruction.  Conducting research in WCPSS must be considered a privilege, not a right.  WCPSS Board Policy 2550 governs external research in WCPSS (including Regulations and Procedures).


The following types of projects are most likely approved:

  • Projects in which costs (in student/staff time) are low and benefits to WCPSS specifically seem high (in terms of potential insights and impact on practice).
  • Projects that address critical research needs of the school system. This is a list of our current needs; please call 431-7193 to indicate an interest in one of these projects.
  • Competitive, grant-funded projects with dedicated staff. 
  • Projects with sound research designs which directly address the questions posed.
  • 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. (See research procedures for detailed information)

  • Action research in which a teacher studies his/her own students.  Occasional exceptions are made for some colleges in which most students work for WCPSS under special arrangements with the outside research committee.  (These exceptions address how the limitations of action research are avoided).  Preference is that professors assign tasks in which a student reflects on his/her practice without conducting an experiment (which would not require research permission).
  • Generally, incentives for participation are not allowed.  In some cases, when work will clearly need to occur beyond the normal work day, small incentives are permissible.

We will not approve the following types of projects (See research procedures for detailed information)

  • Data collection for a class project other than through observations or archival records; University faculty should not assign students class projects to be conducted in WCPSS schools.
  • Research that would require a large amount of teacher and/or student time or a loss of instructional time.
  • Projects which require data collection between April 15 and July 30.
  • Data collection that includes requests for personal information about students or their families. 
  • Applications indicating passive rather than active consent by parents (or students as applicable).
  • Research that involves any form of biomedical or neurological investigation, including both invasive and non-invasive methods.
  • Research involving physical or physiological measurements.

If you wish to apply to conduct research in WCPSS:

If the project is approved, you will need to let us know your status annually.  See sample summary/abstract. 


A WCPSS report on research.


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