Research Requests

We are honored that you have considered RPS as a potential partner and site for your research. Your interest in contributing to the wealth of knowledge that supports educational excellence and innovation is highly appreciated.

Please follow the steps outlined below to ensure a seamless and effective review process that aligns with our commitment to upholding the highest academic and ethical standards. These steps are designed to facilitate your application and to expedite our review process:

Application Initiation

1. Complete the External Research Application Form. Begin by filling out the application form in its entirety, providing comprehensive details about your research project.

2. Identify and secure a sponsor within our division. This sponsor will advocate for your research and play a key role throughout the process.

3. Submit the completed application and Sponsorship Form. Ensure that these documents are submitted by the specified deadlines.

Review Process

1. Review by the Designated Committee: After submission, your application will enter the review phase. Our committee will meticulously assess your proposal's relevance, value, and ethical considerations.

2. Await Final Decision: We anticipate a decision regarding your application by the anticipated decision date. We ask for your patience during this period.

No research activities are allowed within RPS without final approval from our division.

Decision Notification

1. Official Communication: Once a decision is reached, both the researcher and their sponsor will be notified. Detailed next steps will also be provided to guide the initiation of your research project.

2. Proceed with Research Activities Upon Approval: Once your application is approved, you and your sponsor can begin the research as detailed in your application, adhering to any additional guidelines specified by our division.

Monitoring and Reporting

1. Regular Updates: As requested by the division, we expect regular progress reports to ensure compliance and to facilitate any necessary support from our end.

2. Final Report: Upon completing your research, a comprehensive report of your findings should be submitted to the division for review and evaluation.

Exceptions Not Requiring Approval

• Studies using publicly available RPS data.

  • Enrollment data 

  • RPS Chronic Absenteeism 

  • RPS Standard of Learning (SOL) Data 

  • Restorative Justice 

  • Language Instruction Educational Program(LIEP) Dashboard --Current English Language Enrollment & LIEP Academic Outcomes

  • Student Conduct and Intervention Dashboard

  • Early Literacy Academic Dashboard

  • Graduation 

• VDOE Public Reports via Test Results Build-A-Table: This is an online data tool (build-a-table) for the creation of customized reports on the performance of students on state assessments

• Virginia Longitudinal Data System: VLDS comprises several component technologies that support secure, authorized research addressing today's top policy and state program questions. VLDS is the result of a shared effort by several Virginia government agencies.  

We are enthusiastic about your research's potential to contribute valuable insights and educational advancements. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the submission process. Please also click here to review the FAQ guide for the RPS research request.