Research Conducted Off-Campus
Research conducted upon private premises other than The University of Texas at Austin requires approval from that site. The site letter must grant permission for the researcher to conduct research at that site. The letter should be formal (use letter head) and contain contact information for the person signing. The letter should be signed by a party responsible for research and/or the conduct of similar activity at the site. For example, school district letters are typically signed by the superintendent for schools in that district. Letters from private institutions should be signed by a director, executive, owner, or other appropriate official.
Visit the Forms page for site letter templates.
Research in Schools
All research conducted in or in cooperation with schools or school districts requires approval from the district prior to the initiation of the study. Typically, district approval is a site letter (on district letter head) signed by the district superintendent.
Announcement: Changes in Conducting Research at AISD
The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has a request concerning our assent forms. Some consent forms that have come to AISD contain an "abuse will be reported statement." AISD is asking those PIs whose assent forms contain that statement to clearly list that statement in bold.
For all pre-K through college level investigations, the district requests that research protocols distinguish clearly between research stimuli and regular classroom curricula.
The PIs need to add to the assent form, that if "the student feels distressed while participating in the study that they should contact the school counselor" followed by the counselor's name and phone number.
DISTRICT INFORMATION:
AISD Department of Program Evaluation Contact Information:http://www.austinisd.org/inside/accountability/research/
External Research Coordinator:
Kevin Yeh
kevin.yeh@austinisd.org, 512-414-3642
Evaluation Supervisor:
Lisa Schmitt, Ph.D.
lschmitt@austinisd.org, 512-414-9845