RELATIONS WITH EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND SERVICE CENTERS

The Superintendent is authorized to cooperate as far as practicable with colleges, universities, and other recognized research agencies in promoting potentially useful research.

Decisions made on research projects involving Meriden Public Schools' students, teachers or other employees will be influenced by the following factors:

The objectives of the research should be clearly stated and the design should produce valid and reliable results which will then be made available to the Meriden Public Schools.

The research should be expected to contribute to the improvement of educational or the general welfare of children.

Data derived from school records, interviews, or questionnaires which have the potential to invade the privacy of students or their families must have advanced written authorization of parents or guardians even though the data is to be collected and reported under conditions of anonymity.

Research proposals should be of sufficient scope and depth to justify the time and effort of Meriden Public Schools' students and staff members.

Instructional activities shall not be interrupted unless there is a clear benefit for the educational program of the Meriden schools.

Projects involving student researchers must have prior written approval by a faculty member of the institution in which the student is enrolled. This faculty member must have direct responsibility for the student’s research.

Notwithstanding the language of this policy, Meriden Public Schools shall at all times comply with the Federal requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regarding personally identifiable student information and educational records.

Approved: April 28, 1981

Amended: December 15, 2015
Previous Policy Number: LB

PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH STUDIES IN MERIDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Meriden Public Schools has an interest in sponsoring or assisting in worthwhile research projects and encourages the use of school facilities in carrying out such projects.

The criteria upon which approval of a proposal for such a research project will be based are:

1. value of the study for Meriden Public Schools;
2. the demands the study makes in terms of pupil and staff time;
3. the extent to which the project disrupts the schools regular routine; and
4. the ultimate value of the study for education.

PROCEDURES

1. Submission of a detailed plan of study to the Grants Administrator:
   
   a. Statement of the nature and purpose of the study.
   b. Name of the sponsoring institution.
   c. Information which must be obtained from school records.
   d. Amount and kind of assistance required of school personnel.
   e. Time and duration of study.
2. Evaluation of the plan by the Grants Administrator and administrators responsible for the area in which the study will be conducted.
3. Final approval is required by the Superintendent of Schools.

After the proposal has been approved, the person conducting the study may expect to receive the full cooperation of all concerned with it. A summary of the results of the study will be filed with the Grants Administrator.

Approved 4/28/1981

Reviewed and No Changes Required: December 15, 2015
Previous Policy Number: LB-R