District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) welcomes high‑quality research that aligns with our mission, advances equity, and contributes to improved outcomes for students and schools.
All research involving data collection in DCPS or access to confidential DCPS data must be reviewed and approved before the research begins.
Required Guidance for All Researchers
Before preparing or submitting a proposal, all researchers must review the official guidance document: DCPS Process and Requirements to Conduct Research or Obtain Confidential Data.
This document explains who is eligible to conduct research, proposal submission requirements, review criteria and timelines, agreement and insurance processes, and guidelines around parental consent, FERPA, confidentiality, and data maintenance.
Employee researchers may find the Quick Guide for Employee Researchers linked below a helpful starting point.
DCPS is unable to review or respond to incomplete proposals. Proposals that do not meet the requirements outlined in the Process and Requirements document will not be considered.
Submitting a Research Proposal
DCPS uses an online submission process. All researchers will submit proposals through the forms linked in the Process and Requirements guidance.
External Proposals: The Research Review Board will meet every two months to review external proposals. Reviews occur during the final week of even-numbered months (October, December, February, April, June, August). Complete proposals received by the second Friday of those months will be included in that cycle’s review.
Employee Proposals: A subset of the Research Review Board will meet monthly to review proposals from DCPS employees conducting research as part of a degree program. Employee proposals will be reviewed on the second Thursday of every month. Complete proposals received at least one week before the scheduled review date will be included in that month’s review.
The Research Review Board may consider time-sensitive requests on a case-by-case basis. Review dates are subject to cancellation or change without notice. Researchers with urgent timelines should reach out as soon as possible. Submitting early is strongly encouraged.
Questions
All questions should be directed to [email protected].
Research Resources and Required Forms
The following documents are available for download and are referenced throughout the Process and Requirements guidance. Researchers should use the most current versions posted here.
Cabinet Approval for Research Sponsorship
Required form for projects that will require a memorandum of agreement (MOA), to be signed by the relevant DCPS Cabinet member before an MOA is signed.
Consent Form Requirements and Sample
Consent Form Editable Sample
Guidance and example for obtaining informed consent from participants, including required elements for DCPS approval.
Cover Sheet for DCPS Research Proposals
A cover sheet required for all research proposals submitted to DCPS, providing a summary of the proposed project to support initial review.
DCPS Security Pledge
A required form for individuals accessing DCPS confidential data, outlining personal responsibilities under FERPA and DCPS governance.
Proposal Checklist
A step-by-step list of required components for submitting a complete research proposal to DCPS.
Quick Guide for Employee Researchers
A concise reference for DCPS employees conducting research, outlining key steps, approvals, and compliance requirements.
Release of Records Requirements and Sample
Release of Records Editable Sample
Instructions and template for requesting student records from DCPS, including required language and documentation.
Sponsor Responsibilities and Sample Letter
Overview of expectations for DCPS sponsors supporting external research, including communication and oversight.