District 49 recognizes the value of educational research. However, all research studies carried out within the district using district or school data of any kind or staff or students as subjects must be submitted to the district research review committee.  

This committee convenes quarterly to discuss requests to conduct research within the district, identifying potential concerns and for committee members to provide recommendations on whether or not to allow the researchers to pursue their study in our district.  The committee is comprised of district staff members from various departments/zones. This diversity enables this group to better identify potential challenges with projects and unforeseen consequences of allowing projects.

This group works to ensure that the proposed research is ethical (limited risk to human subjects), will create limited disruption to the operation of the district and has the potential to benefit the district.   The committee can decide to approve the project, deny the project or ask for alterations to the proposal and resubmission. If the committee decides to approve the project, there is no obligation of participation in the research for buildings, staff, or students.

External agencies often send research surveys directly to staff without going through the research committee. Staff are neither expected nor encouraged to complete these surveys.

If you have questions about the request to conduct research process, committee or what constitutes research, please contact Katherine Hochevar.