Research in SPPS
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The REA Department manages all requests to conduct research within Saint Paul Public Schools. We prioritize the privacy of all student data and the interests of students and staff when evaluating any proposal.
Purpose: To give reasonable access to individuals, institutions and organizations to conduct approved research projects in SPPS schools, while protecting and contributing to the district’s primary responsibility of providing a premier education for all.
The REA Department will only consider applications from:
- Staff to conduct research to meet their educational requirements
- Partners who are already SPPS affiliated through a current contract or MOU
Research conducted in SPPS must support the following core values:
- Connected to our strategic focus areas
- Mutually beneficial to SPPS and the researcher
- Intersect with SPPS established best practices
- Builds on current or prior inquiry
- Theoretical foundation reflects inclusive and diverse perspectives/learning.
We reserve the right to limit the number of research projects in either one building or the district.
We will accept research proposals on a rolling basis. The review process may take several weeks. Please plan accordingly.
Procedure: Start by reading our FAQ's below and reviewing thoroughly the documentation in the right sidebar. The Guidelines document explains our process and priorities in evaluating outside research requests. The Checklist document walks you through the required elements of your proposal. The Cover Sheet document is a fillable PDF, which should be filled out with all applicable information and necessary signatures (digital signatures or handwritten signatures are acceptable). The Data Needs form tells us what data you would like and how you will collect them. We also recommend browsing our Data Center to see if the data you need are already publicly available.
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Documentation
Research Proposal Guidelines
Read this document first.Research Proposal Checklist
Required with your application.Research Proposal Coversheet
Required with your application.Data Needs Google Form
Request data needed for research.Student Survey Rules Quick Reference
Survey consent and privacy rules.SPPS Full Policy on Student Surveys
Survey consent and privacy rules.
Research Proposal FAQ's
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Who may conduct research in SPPS?
We encourage SPPS employees seeking higher degrees to improve their practice to conduct research in the District toward the completion of theses, dissertations and capstones. Students, professors and researchers from institutions of higher education seeking to conduct research on the effects of solid pedagogical methods may also apply for research approval. Outside organizations and institutions performing research on educational methods and policy can also apply, though it must be noted that SPPS does not engage in market research for commercial interests.
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What is the role of REA in this process?
All research involving SPPS students, staff or facilities must be approved by REA. We work to ensure that research projects provide benefit to SPPS, that research methods employed are sound and feasible, and that data collected by the researcher or provided by the district are handled appropriately to protect student privacy per SPPS policy and government regulations.
The approval of relevant school principals and/or district administrators is also required before any research can begin.
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How are applications evaluated?
Kara Arzamendia, Director of REA, reviews all proposals with other District content experts and administrators as needed. Other REA staff are also consulted to evaluate research proposals. The process takes a substantial amount of time, so applying early is recommended. Specific criteria for evaluation are included in the Guidelines document.
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How do I apply?
Before applying, you must obtain the approval of the building principal(s) or district administrators with whom you wish to work. Contact REA for guidance and introductions.
Submit one (1) hard copy of your complete proposal, including the cover sheet, the proposal itself (max. six (6) pages, double-spaced), any necessary attachments (consent forms, IRB approvals, letters of support), and a $50 check made out to “Independent School District 625”. The cover sheet and a checklist with complete requirements are available in the right sidebar.
