LC

Boulder Valley School District
Adopted: October 14, 1976
Revised: May 26, 2026

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EDUCATION RESEARCH

The Board recognizes that systematic study of the educational process and related variables can contribute significantly to the development and implementation of high quality instructional programs. The Board also values transparency and the provision of public data that allows consideration of the success of the School District’s programs by the community. 

The Board of Education recognizes that requests will be made on occasion by nonschool personnel and/or agencies to conduct research projects in the schools. However, because such projects invariably involve School District personnel and interrupt class instructional time, a Research Review Committee shall provide written approval based on a determination that the proposed research has potential value for the School District and is consistent with the School District’s legal obligations, effective use of staff and student time and resources, and standards of good scholarship.

Protection of Student Rights

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

Student anonymity must be assured in any research project. Results pertaining to individual students may never be publicized, and may only be shared with teachers if this is approved by the School District and is permitted by law. 

If research by nonschool personnel is to involve students, complete information about the project shall be provided to parents/guardians and students in advance. No student shall be the subject of any research project without the prior written consent of the student's parents/guardians and the student if the student is old enough to understand the process and purpose of the project. Consent shall not be necessary when the researcher merely will observe students engaged in normal activities.

Conducting the Research Project

Approved research proposals are regarded as contracts with the School District. Any deviation from procedures described in the proposal must be approved in writing. 

Documentation and Dissemination

Copies of all project reports, data collected within the Boulder Valley School District, and a one-page summary of results must be submitted to the School District at the conclusion of the research project.

Annually, the School District’s head of research shall provide to the Superintendent a summary of all research projects conducted within the School District.