APPLICATION TO CONDUCT RESEARCH PROJECT

Lexington City Schools (LCS) is committed to conducting and facilitating original research to improve outcomes for students, teachers, and staff. To that end, the Office of Accountability, Research, and School Improvement cultivates partnerships with individuals affiliated with universities and organizations looking to conduct original research in LCS.

These partnerships occur through four pathways:

1. External Research

Universities (e.g., research faculty, faculty advisors, and their graduate students) or other research organizations conduct original research in LCS to benefit the district.

External researchers hold research-related duties at higher education institutions or research organizations. As such, they have the qualifications necessary for working in the school system as educational researchers. External Research includes university faculty projects, marketing research, graduate theses/dissertations, grant-funded projects, external surveys, program evaluations by outside agencies, and other external projects.

It does not include action research, such as surveys conducted by school staff as part of their normal business processes (e.g., accreditation, school improvement planning work, etc.). Applications falling under External Research include any school- or district-based investigations requiring assistance from LCS central office staff or schools. Assistance includes, but is not limited to, original data collection, preparation of data files, coordination among external researchers and study participants, and providing relevant information.

The proposed external research project is more likely to be approved if it demonstrates value to LCS leadership, students, teachers, and staff, and if the researcher outlines a plan to share results with the school system. Examples of sharing results include presentations to district leadership and brief reports containing figures and tables.

Proposed projects are more likely to be approved if they:

• Align with the district’s current strategic plan or address a timely issue facing the district.

• Offer high benefits to LCS with minimal time or resource demands on staff and students.

• Include a strong research design.

• Avoid data collection during the state testing window (April–June).

Projects are less likely to be approved if they:

• Rely on stipends or incentives for staff participation unless the work is conducted outside of normal duty hours.

• Require significant instructional time (e.g., interviews or focus groups during the school day).

• Collect sensitive information (e.g., religious beliefs, family issues, or illegal behavior).

• Do not obtain active consent for participation.

• Involve invasive physiological measurements.

• Include audio or video recordings in classrooms during the school day.

2. Research-Practice Partnerships

Research-Practice Partnerships allow universities or organizations to collaborate with LCS staff to jointly pursue research projects that address shared interests. These partnerships involve shared responsibilities, including data collection, survey development, analysis, and result dissemination.

Successful partnerships typically result from clear discussions about roles, goals, and expectations before submitting an application.

Examples of past Research-Practice Partnerships include:

• Evaluating professional development programs and their impact on student outcomes.

• Analyzing the effects of school reassignment on student diversity and achievement.

For inquiries, email Beth Felts, Director of Accountability, Research and School Improvement at bfelts@lexcs.org.

3. Action Research

LCS employees pursuing graduate coursework may need to conduct original research in their own classrooms to meet academic program requirements. This action research focuses on improving local practices and processes. Applicants should indicate their intent to conduct action research in their application and attach approval from their school principal.

4. Internships

LCS supports graduate students by offering internships to work on new or existing research projects aligned with district priorities. Past interns have gained professional experience while contributing to meaningful projects.

Graduate students interested in internships should contact Dr. Bruce Carroll, Executive Director of Human Resources at bcarroll@lexcs.org.

Getting Started

Before submitting an application to conduct research in LCS, review [Board Policy placeholder] for definitions and approval conditions. Consider whether publicly available datasets could address your research questions before applying.

External researchers should explore publicly accessible data, including:

• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Data and Reports

• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Accountability Dashboard

• National datasets such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), National Longitudinal Surveys, and others.

If publicly available data does not meet your needs, you may submit an application. Ensure that your submission includes all required materials, such as data collection instruments and consent forms. Incomplete applications will be delayed in processing or may result in a denial. Applications are reviewed within 30 days of receipt of the application.