Polk County Public Schools – Research RequestsEffective October 15, 2025, Polk County Public Schools has implemented updated policies and procedures for individuals and organizations seeking to conduct research within the district. These updates are designed to ensure that all research activities align with district priorities, maintain ethical standards, and protect the privacy of students and staff.
Letter of Intent
To begin the research request process, please submit an official Letter of Intent to: [email protected]
Formal Letter of Intent must include the following:
- Contact Information - Include your full name, title, institution, your advisor or sponsor, mailing address, email, and phone number.
- Introduction - Briefly introduce yourself and your affiliation. State your intent to conduct research and the area and title of your study.
- Purpose and Objectives of the Research - Describe the goals of your research, including the research question(s), hypothesis, and expected outcomes.
- Scope and Methodology
- Outline the research design, including:
- Target population (e.g., students, staff, administrators)
- Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations)
- Any requested data
- Timeline and duration of the study
- Your willingness to sign the National Data Privacy Agreement (NRDPA) - This is mandatory for all researchers, even if our district is not providing data.
- District Alignment - Explain how the research may benefit the district and how your study aligns with our Strategic Plan
- District Assistance
- Permission to conduct research on school grounds
- Access to participants
- District data request
Once your Letter of Intent has been reviewed and approved, you will receive the official Research Application form and additional documentation needed to conduct a comprehensive review. Please note:
- The application must be fully completed before it will be considered for review.
- Incomplete applications will result in denial of research approval.
- Applicants may reapply during the next designated research submission window.
National Research Data Privacy Agreement (NRPDA)
The NRPDA is a mandatory agreement designed to ensure that all research conducted within Polk County Public Schools adheres to strict data privacy standards. By signing the NRPDA, applicants agree to:
- Protect the confidentiality of all student and staff data.
- Use data solely for approved research purposes.
- Not collect personally identifiable information unless explicitly authorized.
- Comply with all federal, state, and district regulations regarding data privacy and ethical research practices.
This agreement must be signed and submitted as part of the research application process. Applications submitted without a signed NRPDA will not be reviewed.
Application and Supporting Documentation
Upon approval of your Letter of Intent, you will be responsible for submitting all of the following documents to [email protected]
- A completed “Application to Conduct Research” Form.
- A brief abstract, not exceeding 200 words.
- A detailed research proposal.
- Copies of all necessary consent/assent forms with completed checklists.
- Evidence of recent (within five years) human subjects research training.
- College and university-affiliated researchers must obtain approval of their proposed research from the Institutional Review Board or similar committee.
- Signed National Research Data Privacy Agreement (NRDPA).
Important Reminders
- All research conducted within Polk County Public Schools must comply with district policies, protect the privacy of students and staff, and follow ethical standards.
- Approval is based on a thorough review of the proposed research’s purpose, methodology, and relevance to district goals.
Contact Us
For questions or additional information regarding the research approval process, please contact:
[email protected]