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K-12 School-Based Research

Research conducted in schools raises a distinct set of concerns with regards to protection of research participants and there may be additional requirements for individual school districts or schools.

Information about conducting K-12 school-based research, including research at schools in Washoe County School District, can be found in the guidance "II4A-D GD1 K-12 School-Based Research."

Research in Washoe County School District

University of Nevada, Reno and affiliate researchers wishing to conduct human subjects research with students, faculty, administrators, or all three within Washoe County School District (WCSD) must obtain approval from a IRB and WCSD Public Policy, Accountability and Assessment prior to project initiation.

University investigators who wish to use educational records, including from students in her or his classroom, or who is planning to request a subset of data from the District should read the WCSD Guidelines for the Use of WCSD Student and Teacher Data for External Research Projects.

The process for investigators to obtain WCSD approval is itemized immediately below.

1. Contact Jan Hall, Public Policy, Accountability & Assessment to briefly discuss the primary features of your research study (e.g., observational or survey research).
2. If Ms. Hall determines that the proposed research is likely to be acceptable to the District, send the complete University application and supporting documents to her for review.
3. If Ms. Hall has questions or concerns, she will inform the contact person listed in the application and a University IRB Program Manager.
4. After the University has received satisfactory application and supporting documents as determined by the IRB Member reviewer, an IRB Program Manager will send an email to Ms. Hall, informing her that the University approved the protocol.
5. Jan Hall will send notice of WCSD approval to the investigator and the IRB Program Manager.
6. Upon receipt of documentation of WCSD approval, the IRB Program Manager will certify approval and email the Certificate of Approval to the principal investigator and contact person on the protocol, and will copy Ms. Hall so she will have a copy of the certification of approval for her documentation.

The above process precludes University and affiliate investigators from having to complete and submit the WCSD application. The complete University protocol application will suffice.

The purpose of this review is to safeguard the rights of WCSD students, parents and staff. The District recommends submission of research applications at least four weeks prior to the targeted start date to allow PPA&A sufficient time to review the application and obtain any additional information or documentation required. To discuss your research or to submit a UNR protocol to conduct research at a school in WCSD, contact Jan Hall at jmhall@washoe.k12.nv.us.

Note: Aggregate student data that are available to the public may be used for research without restriction. The Nevada Department of Education provides a rich source of such data at: http://www.nevadareportcard.com/

Research in Clark County School District

University and affiliate researchers who wish to conduct research in a school in the Clark County School District (CCSD) must obtain District approval. As a convenience, investigators seeking CCSD research information and aCCSD application are advised to contact Cheryl King, Administrative Clerk, Research and School Improvement, Clark County School District. Ms. King's email address is cherylk@interact.ccsd.net and her telephone numbers are (702) 855-7783 ext. 5270 and (702) 799-5195 (alternate).

The CCSD Review Research Application Instructions recommend submitting the application at least 60 days before the desired start date for the research. Please be advised that the IRB approval from the University and any collaborating institutions must accompany the CCSD application.

Research in All Other School Districts and Private Schools

Investigators planning to conduct research at public (including charter) school in other school districts or private schools are responsible for contacting district or school administration to determine what, if any steps are required to obtain approval to conduct human subjects research at those sites.