File:  GCS - Professional Research and Publishing

NOTE: While Colorado school districts are not required by law to adopt a policy on this subject, some content in this sample reflects legal requirements school districts must follow. This sample contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The Board recognizes the value of educational research conducted by staff members. However, all research studies carried out within the school system using district or school data of any kind or staff or students as subjects must be approved in advance by the superintendent or designee. Only those studies which have value to the school district shall be approved.

The superintendent or designee shall keep a file on topics needing study that shall be shared with staff members at their request.

When human subjects are involved in research, there shall be adequate protection of their rights and welfare. The individual shall be subjected to no serious risk. Parents of students who are subjects of research or adults if they are the subjects shall be provided an explanation of procedures and their purposes, a description of any possible risks and any benefits to be reasonably expected, an offer to respond to inquiries on procedures, and instruction on the right to refuse to participate or to discontinue participation at any time without prejudice.

Any survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation of students shall be consistent with district policy and applicable law.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REFS.: 20 U.S.C. 1232h (rights of students and parents to inspect instructional materials and give prior consent for certain surveys, analysis and evaluation)

C.R.S. 22-1-123 (district shall comply with federal law on protection of pupil rights; Colorado provisions regarding surveys, assessment, analysis and evaluation of students)

CROSS REFS.: JLDAC, Screening/Testing of Students (And Treatment of Mental Disorders)

LC, Relations with Education Research Agencies

[Revised June 2012]

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 1994