Metro Nashville Public Schools

Conducting Research in MNPS

If you or your organization is interested in conducting a research project, a program evaluation project, a stand-alone survey, or an action research project within Metro Nashville Public Schools, we are happy to facilitate a proposal review.

The MNPS Department of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation recognizes the benefits that can accrue from allowing internal and external researchers responsible and reasonable access to MNPS students and staff

About the Review Process

Procedures, Requirements, and Documentation

In order to conduct research within MNPS, researchers are required to attend one Research Review Forum and electronically submit a completed research application to the MNPS Research Review Committee (RRC) for review. Action research at the MA/EdS level may be eligible for an expedited review, but all other proposals for research, surveys, and/or program evaluation must be reviewed at the monthly RRC meeting.

• Research Review Process Flowchart  
• Sign up for an upcoming Research Review Forum, mandatory for all researchers, before submitting a proposal to the RRC. Action researchers are not required but still encouraged to attend. 
  2022-2023 Dates for Research Review Forum:
  • 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. April 6; May 4; June 8; July 13; August 10
  • 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. March 22; April 18; May 16; June 20; July 25; August 22
• The new MNPS Research Application (effective September 2021)
• Data Agreement and Request Process Flowchart for approved research projects

The RRC reviews each proposal on the following criteria:

• Is the proposal designed so that valid and reliable results can be expected?
• Is there a reasonable chance that the study will contribute something useful and of value to the school system?
• Does the study make adequate provisions for the protection of personal rights and privacy?
• Does the potential of the study justify the interruption of the work of pupils, teachers, and/or staff?

Our research review policies are guided by the Belmont Report, and any research approved by the RRC is subject to the rules and regulations as specified by Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).

Please note:

• Executive directors and school principals continue to have complete discretion to disallow research projects to take place in their school(s), even if a project is approved by the RRC.
• MNPS formal approval letters will indicate whether you should or should not reach out directly to principals for school-level approval.