Securing Approval for Conducting Research in Public Schools

Researchers must get approval from the Campus IRB and the public school system where they plan to conduct their research. Each public school system has its own application procedure. Procedures range from simply emailing the protocol to a designated representative (such as the superintendent) to a formal online application process.

Each county will have its own deadline and review schedules, so researchers should become familiar with the school system’s policies well before they would like to begin their research. Some school systems require IRB approval before they will consider a project.

The Duke School Research Partnership in the Duke Center for Child and Family Policy helps researchers navigate applying to NC school districts. 

Researchers applying to conduct research in public schools outside North Carolina or the United States should check with those school systems for guidance.