Research Requests

Denton ISD has a special interest in cooperating with persons wishing to conduct research, surveys, and studies within our schools. In keeping with the mission of Denton ISD, all proposals must be in the best interest of the students being served. 

Consideration of proposals will be done in a timely manner and in the order of receipt. As a result of the volume of requests, the school district gives priority consideration to studies being conducted by doctoral students or by university faculty members. Master theses, undergraduate papers, and surveys are discouraged. However, all proposals will receive strong consideration based on merit. 

The following factors should be considered in the preparation of a research proposal:

1. The deadlines for consideration are October 15 for Fall projects and April 15 for Spring projects. This policy is based on the requirements of the local assessment calendar and general activities within the school system. Proposals are not processed during the summer.
2. The proposed start date for your project must be at least 45 days from the submission of your application.
3. Proposals must be compatible with the policies and regulations of Denton ISD.
4. No students may be personally identified and reported as individuals within a study. There will be no visual recording of students or staff. Audio recording is allowable only if all university requirements regarding student confidentiality have been met. The use of test results, attendance, and other personal data will be carefully limited.
5. The amount of time required from students or the professional staff will be a key determining factor. Therefore, researchers should use small groups or samples whenever possible. Permission to use all schools or all students in a grade level is not possible.
6. The potential value of the results of the research to Denton ISD is necessary. Therefore, a summary or copy of the results is required. A copy of the doctoral dissertation should be sent to the district research facilitator.
7. The interest of the principal(s) and his/her ability to schedule or accommodate the research will be a factor.
8. When a university student is included in the research, the project must have the prior approval of the major advisor.
9. A background check is required for any person(s) having contact with students, teachers or Administrators on Denton ISD property. Background checks must be cleared through Denton ISD before the research proposal is approved.
10. Once the research is approved, changes may not be made without submitting a new application. Changes cannot be made via phone or email.

Research Restrictions

• Research involving sensitive topics such as political affiliations, mental health, sexual behaviors, illegal activities, religious practices, and employee evaluations will not be considered.
• Recruitment of participants is the sole responsibility of the researcher; Denton ISD staff time cannot be used.
• Researchers may not request data directly from schools or departments; all requests must go through the Research Application process.
• Researchers will not receive personally identifiable information.
• No human subject will be subjected to experimental treatments or control groups that will impede their learning rate or subject them to physical harm or discomfort.
• No human subjects will be subjected to electronic devices that may be attached or used by a subject that may emit radiation and/or electrical charges, e.g., x-rays, electrolysis, shocking or stunning devices, etc., and inordinate sound damaging high or low-frequency sounds. 

District employees must complete the application and background check for any research requests. If you are seeking approval to research on the campus where you currently serve, advanced approval from your campus administrator would be beneficial in expediting the review of your application.

When you begin the application process, there are three different types of requests to choose from. Please ensure you know which one to request to choose and read the information below to know the difference.

Application & Background Check:    
You are seeking approval to conduct your research study in Denton ISD and are ready to begin that work in the current academic school year.

Letter of Support:
If you are applying for approval from the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) or are applying for possible funding for a potential research project please use this application. A Denton ISD letter of support does not constitute approval of your research request. You will need to complete that application once you are ready to begin your research.

Background Check Only:
You are a member of a research study that has already been approved and needs clearance to be on a Denton ISD campus or facility.

Research Application

University Approval Form