Bryan County Schools recognizes that educational research can support continuous improvement in teaching and learning. The district also remains committed to protecting the privacy of students, parents, and staff while minimizing disruptions to the instructional environment. 

Research Request Guidelines
Bryan County Schools does not permit research activities that directly involve students. Students may not be asked to participate in surveys, questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, observations, or any other research activities.

Research involving Bryan County Schools employees must be coordinated through district leadership and approved through established administrative channels. Researchers may not directly contact, recruit, or email BCS employees regarding participation in a research study or distribute research instruments without prior district approval.

Please Note: IRB Approval Is Required Prior to Submission

IRB Approval
Full Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required before a research request may be submitted to Bryan County Schools. Applications submitted without IRB approval will not be accepted, reviewed, or held for future consideration.

• Applicants must upload documentation demonstrating current, full IRB approval when submitting the Bryan County Schools Research Request Form.

Proposal Requirements
All research proposals must meet the expectations below:

• Demonstrate a clear and measurable benefit to Bryan County Schools students, staff, programs, or practices 

• Include official IRB approval documentation

• Include an abstract or executive summary of the study 

• Include all research instruments to be used (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, interview protocols, observation tools)

• Ensure minimal disruption to classroom instruction, school operations, and employee work responsibilities

• Assure the privacy, confidentiality, and security of student, parent, and staff information

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations regarding data privacy and confidentiality

Submission Process
Researchers interested in conducting research within Bryan County Schools must:

1. Secure and submit full IRB approval.

2. Gather all required documentation and research instruments.

3. Complete the Bryan County Schools Research Request Form.

4. Submit the application during one of the approved submission windows.

Submission Windows

• Fall Semester

  • July 15 - September 15

• Spring Semester

  • November 15 - November 30

  • January 2 - February 15

Applications submitted outside of these windows will not be reviewed. 
All completed applications will be reviewed during the applicable submission window, and applicants will receive a response regarding the status of their request.

Contact Information
If you have questions after submitting your application, please contact Meridyth Padgett at mpadgett@bryan.k12.ga.us