Our policies and procedures have changed. The Office of Assessment, Accountability & Evaluation will only be accepting and reviewing research applications submitted online through this Google form.

The following information must be uploaded using a Google account to complete the application.

  1. A completed “Application to Conduct Research” Form.
  2. A brief abstract, not exceeding 200 words.
  3. A detailed research proposal.
  4. Copies of all necessary consent/assent forms with completed checklists.
  5. A letter from principals/teachers granting permission to conduct research in their school/classroom.
  6. Evidence of recent (within five years) human subjects research training.
  7. College and university-affiliated researchers must obtain approval of their proposed research by the Institutional Review Board or similar committee.

2021-2022 Research Application & Review Deadlines

Review Cycle Application Deadline Research Review Committee Meeting Approval Notification
May – June Friday, May 14, 2021 Friday, June 4, 2021 Wednesday, June 16, 2021
July – August Wednesday, July 14, 2021 Thursday, July 29, 2021 Friday, August 13, 2021
September – October Monday, September 13, 2021 Friday, October 1, 2021 Tuesday, October 12, 2021
November – December Thursday, November 18, 2021 Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Monday, December 13, 2021
January – February Monday, January 10, 2022 Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Monday, February 14, 2022
March – April Friday, March 11, 2022 Friday, April 1, 2022 Wednesday, April 13, 2022
May – June Friday, May 13, 2022 Friday, June 3, 2022 Wednesday, June 15, 2022
July – August Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Thursday, July 28, 2022 Friday, August 12, 2022
September – October Monday, September 12, 2022 Friday, September 30, 2022 Wednesday, October 12, 2022
November – December Thursday, November 17, 2022 Thursday, December 1, 2022 Wednesday, December 14, 2022

2020-2021 Approved Research Requests

The following research projects have been approved by the Research Review Board and are currently active.

Please be advised that approval of research activities does not equate an endorsement of research by Polk County Public Schools. Our approval means that the study has met professional and ethical standards as determined by the District’s Research Review Board, and these researchers have permission to conduct activities in our school district. Regardless, principals must grant final approval on whether or not a particular researcher may conduct research at their school. Informed consent documents must be obtained from parents or legal guardians before a researcher has direct contact with students.

Research Project Researcher(s) Institution Effective Dates
An Evaluation of Equity and Access for All Students in a School District’s Career and Technical Education Programs Jaime, Cynthia National Louis University 12/16/19-01/31/21
The Implementation of CHAMPS Procedures to Improve Behavior and Academic Performance Jarrett, Henreta Nova Southeastern University 10/14/19-03/30/21
A Qualitative Case Study to Discover How Title I Schools Build the Capacity of Staff and Families in Support of Academic Achievement Atwell, Denise Florida Southern 04/01/19-

04/30/21
Quantitative Study Analyzing Descriptive STAR Statistics Hallman, Jennifer Florida Southern 03/08/21-04/30/21
Reading Growth and Proficiency of Middle School Grades Davisson, Robin Saint Leo University 10/12/20-05/31/21
A Comparative Analysis and Correlational Study Between Participation in Middle School Band Programs and Academic Achievement Cayer, Jeffrey Florida Southern 10/12/20-06/30/21
Collaborative Responsive Writing in Web-based eBooks to Improve Literacy Smith, Glenn University of South Florida 02/12/21-06/30/21
An Examination of the Relationship Between Academic Achievement and Physical Fitness Childress, Francis Florida Southern 03/10/21-06/30/21
Development of Modular-Based Consultation Using Evidence-Based Practices for Teachers of Students with Emotional Disturbance (MOTIVATED) Crosland, Kimberly University of South Florida 02/12/21-08/31/21
An Examination of Beginning Principals and School Climate Weingarth, Amy Florida Southern 04/13/21-12/31/21
Efficacy Trial of the Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools (MAAPS) Iovannone, Rose University of South Florida 02/12/21-06/30/24

To request the documents listed below, please call 863-534-0979 ext. 744 or email research@polk-fl.net.

Application Documents

  • Application to Conduct Research
  • Informed Consent Letter Checklist
  • Student Assent Letter Checklist

Information for Research Request Applicants

  • Should I Submit a Research Request?
  • The Research Application Review Process
  • Composition of the Research Review Committee
  • Checklist Used for Phase I Quality Control Review
  • Rubric Used for Phase II RRC Review

Resources for Approved Researchers

  • Monthly Research Progress Reports
  • Request for Extension of Research Activities
  • Suspension for Research Activities

Research Incident Reports

  • Report by Person Involved
  • Report by Witness
  • Report by School Administrator

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