The Austin ISD supports high-quality external research and evaluation efforts, especially in areas that will improve its educational practices and outcomes. AISD’s application process was established to: (a) Coordinate external projects with on-going research and evaluation conducted by the district, (b) protect staff and students from unnecessary or redundant data collections, (c) review research and evaluation requests in light of current laws covering privacy of information, and (d) assure that external research/evaluation projects are of value to the district and to education in general.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Open Records Requests (i.e., any existing information or reports) should be directed to the Office of the Superintendent, (512) 414-2412.
• You must submit an application if your research/evaluation project includes collecting or using individual-level data from or about AISD students, staff or parents.
• Application deadlines for the current school year (August-May):
  • November 1st for projects which involve implementation of a program;
  • December 1st for research projects involving students, teachers, or administrators.
  • Applications for projects that do not involve student, teacher, or administrator contact are accepted on an ongoing basis.
• Active consent for student participation must be obtained from parents/guardians before data can be collected or any individually identifiable student information can be released.
• All data collection involving schools must be completed by May 1st.
• No data collection is allowed on testing days. Be sure to consult the district testing schedule.
• Individual students, staff, or schools may not be identified in any research or evaluation product.

GETTING STARTED:

• External Research Procedures Overview
• Requirements for Data Collection and Release
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Application Review Criteria
• External Research Process Flow Chart (PDF)

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Required

Application Checklist
AISD Application for External Research or Evaluation (Word)
Access to Confidential Data Form (PDF)

Supplemental

Application Guidance
Parent/Guardian Consent Template (Word)

MATERIALS FOR APPROVED PROJECTS:

Principal Agreement to Participate Form (PDF)
Data Collection Complete Form (Word)