• Request to conduct research in our school district

    Conducting Research with us

    The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) values research that helps improve learning and supports our community. We partner with universities, organizations, and WCPSS staff to explore new ideas and share findings that benefit students and educators.

    You can conduct research in WCPSS through these pathways:

    • External research: Researchers from universities or organizations conduct studies that support district goals.

    • Research-practice partnerships: External researchers and WCPSS staff work together to design and carry out research.

    • Action research: WCPSS employees completing graduate programs conduct studies within the scope of their position to improve their practices.

    • Internships: Graduate students help with district research projects to gain experience.

    External research

    External researchers include university faculty, graduate students, and research organizations. Projects may include:

    • Graduate theses or dissertations

    • Grant-funded studies

    • Program evaluations by outside agencies

    We encourage you to share your results through presentations or reports. Proposals are more likely to be approved if they:

    • Support our strategic plan or address current priorities

    • Provide high benefits to WCPSS and have low demands on students and staff

    • Have a clear, strong research design

    • Schedule data collection outside the state testing window (April–June)

    Proposals we are unlikely to approve

    Please avoid submitting proposals that:

    • Use incentives for staff during duty hours

    • Require significant instructional time or undue burden on staff

    • Collect sensitive personal information

    • Do not include active consent

    • Use invasive measures or record students during the school day

    Research-practice partnerships

    A research-practice partnership is a joint effort between external researchers and WCPSS staff. Together, you share responsibilities such as:

    • Data collection and preparation

    • Survey design

    • Data analysis

    • Sharing results with stakeholders

    Successful partnerships start with clear discussions about goals, roles, and expectations. If you are interested, email us at wcpss-data-accountability@wcpss.net.

    Action research

    If you are a WCPSS employee completing graduate coursework, you may need to conduct action research within the scope of your position. Please:

    • Indicate this on your application

    • Attach approval from your supervisor (e.g. school principal)

    Internships

    WCPSS offers a limited number of research internships for graduate students. Interns work on projects that support district priorities and gain professional experience. To learn more, email wcpss-data-accountability@wcpss.net.

    Before you apply

    Before submitting your application, please:

    Using existing data can help you avoid challenges like recruiting participants and obtaining consent.

    Submit your application

    If you still wish to apply, you will need to submit an Application to Conduct Research in WCPSS.

    In your application, be sure to:

    • Identify the appropriate research pathway

    • Explain why existing data sources are not sufficient

    • Attach all required materials (for example, consent forms and data collection tools)

    Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Research Review Committee meets monthly, except in December.

    If you have questions, email wcpss-data-accountability@wcpss.net