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The potential contribution of appropriate educational research to teaching and school administration is recognized by the School Board.  It shall cooperate, to the extent feasible, with colleges, universities, and other recognized agencies to promote research that shall:

1. Increase professional knowledge of teaching and learning processes.

2.  Sharpen perception of instructional and administrative problems.

3. Establish instructional and management objectives.

4. Assess progress toward accomplishment of school district objectives.

The superintendent will consult appropriate school administrators, department heads, and/or program directors as to the appropriateness of the research project after reading the research proposal and the approved IRB report.

This will be followed by the superintendent making a recommendation to the School Board as to whether or not this research project is appropriate for the schools involved.  The board will then vote to either approve or not approve the request.

The decision to involve students, teachers, or other employees in any research project shall be based on the following:

1. The objectives of the research should be clearly stated and the design should produce valid and reliable results which shall then be made available to the public schools.

2. The research should be expected to contribute to the improvement of education or the general welfare of children.

3. The privacy of those involved in any research project must be protected. The confidentiality of records shall be maintained at all times. Further, data derived from school records, interviews, or questionnaires which have a potential for invasion of privacy of students or their families or staff members may not be used unless advance written authorization has been given by the staff member or student (or his/her parent or guardian as appropriate) even though the information will be collected and reported under conditions of anonymity.

4. Research proposals should be of sufficient scope and depth to justify the time and effort of students and staff members. Using the time of teachers and students in any research activity is an investment by the school district which should result in increased educational effectiveness.

5. In general, instructional activities must not be interrupted unless there is a clear benefit to the educational programs in our schools,

6. Projects involving student researchers must have prior written approval by:

   1. The Building Principal(s)

   2. Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the sponsoring college or university, including the responsible faculty advisor’s signature.

7. Surveys, interviews, etc. must be opt-in only.

Note: The IRB process includes mandatory research training for researchers every three years. The purpose of the IRB application and approval is as follows:

• To promote the safety and well-being of human participants

• To ensure adherence to the ethical values and principles underlying research

• To ensure that only ethical and scientifically valid research is implemented

• To allay concerns by the general public about the responsible conduct of research

Adapted with assistance from the Plymouth State University International Review Board process.

NHSBA Code LC

Revised from: 3/11/02

First Reading Coordination: 8/8/16

Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 9/14/16