Research Services
Guidelines for Obtaining Approval to Conduct Research within the Cherokee County School District's Schools and Departments
I. Purpose and Guiding Principles
The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) recognizes the value of meaningful research in advancing educational practice and improving student outcomes. These research procedures establish a standardized process for reviewing and approving requests to conduct research within CCSD schools and departments.
All research conducted in CCSD must align with the District’s core beliefs that:
- All students are highly engaged in their education and capable of reaching their full learning potential;
- Employees are trusted and supported as professionals and provided with resources to elevate student outcomes;
- Families and the community are valued partners in student success; and
- Schools are positive, welcoming environments with clear expectations and accountability.
Accordingly, these procedures are designed to protect instructional time, safeguard student and staff well‑being, prevent unnecessary or duplicative data collection, and ensure that approved research contributes meaningfully to teaching, learning, and school improvement.
II. Definition of Research
For the purposes of these procedures, research is defined as any systematic data collection conducted from or about CCSD students, parents/guardians, or employees.
Research includes, but is not limited to:
- Data collection conducted to fulfill requirements for academic coursework, theses, dissertations, or degree or certification programs;
- Studies intended for publication in journals, reports, or books; and
- Research conducted to contribute to educational theory, policy, or practice.
III. Categories of Research
A. Internal Research
Internal Research includes:
- Research initiated by CCSD employees that is directly related to their assigned roles, responsibilities, or job duties; and
- Research commissioned by CCSD and conducted under the direction and oversight of CCSD staff.
Internal research is expected to support instructional improvement, operational effectiveness, and data informed decision‑making while respecting the professionalism, workload, and instructional responsibilities of CCSD staff.
B. External Research
External Research includes:
- Research initiated by CCSD employees for degree completion or program requirements unrelated to assigned job duties;
- Research initiated by outside agencies, organizations, universities, or non‑CCSD personnel; and
- National or statewide studies mandated by state or federal authorities.
External research must demonstrate clear educational value to CCSD and may be approved only when it aligns with District priorities and does not place undue demands on schools, staff, students, or families.
IV. Research Review and Approval Process
All research involving CCSD students, parents/guardians, or staff must receive prior written approval from the District before any data collection begins.
Form: Request for Permission to Conduct Research Within CCSD (Internal and External)
Research requests will be reviewed to ensure that they:
- Promote or support high levels of student engagement and learning;
- Respect CCSD employees as professionals and limit disruption to instructional and operational responsibilities;
- Recognize families and the community as partners through transparent communication and informed consent; and
- Preserve schools as safe, positive, and welcoming environments focused on teaching and learning.
Approval may be granted, denied, or granted with conditions/required modifications. CCSD reserves the right to limit the scope, timeline, or participants of any approved study.
V. Research Review Criteria
Research proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
A. Student Impact
- The research demonstrates educational relevance and potential benefit to student learning, engagement, or well‑being.
- Procedures are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and respectful of diverse student needs.
- Participation does not expose students to physical, psychological, social, or emotional harm.
B. Professional Respect and Instructional Time
- The research minimizes disruption to instructional time and daily school operations.
- Staff participation is voluntary and recognizes employees as trusted professionals.
- Responsibilities and expectations for participating staff are clearly defined.
C. Family and Community Partnership
- The research includes clear plans for parent/guardian notification and informed consent, when applicable.
- Participation is voluntary and transparent.
- Data collection reflects respect for families’ roles as partners in student success.
D. School Climate and Operations
- The research supports the maintenance of safe, welcoming, and orderly school environments.
- Clear procedures for implementation, accountability, and researcher conduct are established.
- Data privacy and confidentiality protections meet all applicable legal and District requirements.
VI. Data Collection and Privacy
All research conducted in CCSD must comply with applicable federal and state laws, Board policies, and District procedures regarding:
- Student education records and confidentiality;
- Parent and student consent;
- Employee privacy; and
- Data security and storage.
Researchers may collect only the data expressly approved in the research authorization. CCSD reserves the right to require review of research instruments, protocols, and consent materials prior to approval.
VII. Conditions of Approval
Approved research is subject to the following conditions:
- Research activities must be conducted only during approved timeframes and with approved participants.
- Researchers must coordinate all activities with designated CCSD or school personnel.
- CCSD may suspend or revoke approval if research activities deviate from the approved proposal or conflict with District priorities.
Failure to comply with District procedures or expectations may result in immediate termination of the research project.
VIII. Researcher Assurances
By submitting a research request, the researcher affirms that the proposed study:
- Supports high expectations and meaningful engagement for all students;
- Respects CCSD staff as professionals and minimizes instructional disruption;
- Honors families and the community through transparency and informed participation; and
- Upholds CCSD’s commitment to positive, welcoming, and accountable school environments.
IX. Approval Timeline
|
Semester |
Intended Start of Research |
Submission Deadline |
Proposal Decision Date |
|
Fall 2026 |
August – December 2026 |
May 22, 2026 |
July 15, 2026 |
|
Spring/Summer 2027 |
January – July 2027 |
October 23, 2026 |
December 16, 2026 |
|
Fall 2027 |
August – December 2027 |
May 21, 2027 |
July 16, 2027 |
|
Spring/Summer 2028 |
January – July 2028 |
October 22, 2027 |
December 15, 2027 |
The established timelines for research requests are necessary to ensure a thorough and fair review process for all submissions. Requests for expedited or special consideration may not be accommodated. Please plan ahead and submit all required documentation early to ensure sufficient time for approval. Incomplete request submissions may further delay the review process.
Questions regarding the CCSD research approval process can be sent to research.services@cherokeek12.net.