Requests To Do Research

Thank you for your interest in Pinellas County Schools (PCS). The District recognizes the value of educational research in fulfilling the school district's mission and meeting the needs of students. PCS has a formal process for applying to conduct research that involves PCS students, staff, and/or families.  All proposals to conduct research, including, but not limited to, data requests, interviews, observations, and surveys must be reviewed by the PCS Institutional Review Board (IRB). No study is exempt from PCS IRB review, even if the IRB of record for the researcher/study investigator has made that determination. This review ensures that research does not compromise the privacy of our students, parents, and staff, or disrupt the work of students, teachers, and administrators.

No member of the Pinellas County Schools staff may authorize, support, or participate in a research study/activity, unless formally approved (or determined exempt) by the PCS IRB. 

Special Note for Students

Application packets for students completing a master’s or doctoral degree must include an approval letter from their student advisory committee. The approval letter must be on official school letterhead with the advisor/committee chairs name and signature and indicate that the submitted proposal has been fully approved by the committee. The Assessment, Accountability and Research department cannot assist student applicants with research design, development, or implementation of data collection instruments, analysis of data, or composition of the final report except as indicated in the review process to meet PCS IRB requirements. Student applicants are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor or College/University IRB for additional support if needed. Studies designed to meet requirements for receiving credit in high school, undergraduate, or graduate courses, seminars, practicums, or training workshops are not eligible for the review process. 

Application Process

To apply, please download and save the PCS Research Application (pdf) to your desktop or hard drive (this allows for full accessibility within the form). Submit the completed application packet as outlined in the PCS Research Guide, and submit electronically to irb@pcsb.org. Incomplete applications will be returned without review.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that the IRB only accepts applications during the designated review periods. Applications submitted outside of these periods will not be accepted.

While applications may be submitted up to 10 days prior to the deadline, they will not be calendared for review until the deadline has closed. Submitting an application early does not provide any advantage in the review process.

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the IRB's review schedule and submission guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IRB office.

Review Schedule and Deadlines

Applications for study investigations in the 2024-25 School Year will be reviewed at three time points; the schedule is:

Applications for study investigations in the 2025-26 School Year will be reviewed at two time points; the schedule is:

Applicants can expect a 6-week processing period after submission. The approval process proceeds most quickly when the research application follows guidelines as set forth in the document requirements outlined in the PCS Research Guide Upon review, applicants will be notified of next steps. Next steps could involve modifications to the submitted proposal, submission of additional documentation, and/or clarification of questions/concerns noted by the committee. The next steps process allows the study investigator an opportunity to respond to the IRB before a decision is rendered.

Important Study Activity Dates
Approved studies are subject to the following academic year constraints:

• • Studies beginning in Semester 1 may not initiate study activities, including recruitment and consent, until after Labor Day.
  • Studies beginning in Semester 2 may not initiate study activities, including recruitment and consent, until after Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
  • Ongoing studies must pause data collection until after Labor Day in Semester 1 and during the first two weeks of Semester 2.
  • Study activities must be scheduled to avoid conflicts with the District assessment calendar.
  • No study activities are permitted during the month of May.

Ongoing Study Requirements 

• • Modifications: Any modification to an approved study must be submitted to the PCS IRB for approval prior to implementation.
  • Continuing Review: All studies are approved on an academic year basis, and a continuing review request must be submitted 60 days prior to the study expiration date for each study year, regardless of funding source or anticipated study duration.

The PCS IRB will make one of the following determinations after reviewing submitted application packets.  Refer to the PCS Research Guide for details.

• Conditional Approval
• Final Approval
• Exempt
• Declined

The research applicant will be notified by email once a decision has been made. 

Researchers/study investigators may begin study activities only after receiving a final approval decision letter from the PCS IRB. This includes recruitment of a site or use of recruitment. Non-compliance with the requirements set by the PCS IRB will result in suspension or termination of the study; and may also result in suspension of research privileges at the District

The AAR Institutional Review Board

The AAR Institutional Review Board consists of the chair of the committee, Dr. Autumn Frei (freia@pcsb.org) and four additional AAR staff members who are knowledgeable about PCS data, research and evaluation methods, and statistical analyses. When applicable, input from other PCS stakeholders, who are familiar with a particular research topic or District program, will be requested to provide feedback on the proposed study.

If you should have any questions pertaining to research activities, please contact the Assessment, Accountability, and Research office at irb@pcsb.org.