JCPS does not accept unsolicited requests to conduct research or evaluations with the district or individual schools. Questions about JCPS procedures or data availability can be directed to jcps.irb@jefferson.kyschools.us.
Research and evaluation activities include surveys, focus groups, site observations, and requests for identifiable student or staff information or data when requested by university faculty and graduate students (including JCPS staff to fulfill university degree requirements for coursework, dissertations, or capstones) and by vendor/community partner work associated with grants or contracts.
The JCPS Institutional Review Board (IRB) only reviews external requests initiated by JCPS leadership as part of our established Research Practice Partnerships (RPP) and yearly research agenda to directly align with current needs. As such, we do not publish the JCPS IRB meeting dates or provide general access to the secure online application system. For those projects accepted by the JCPS IRB for review, applicants should abide by the following JCPS IRB requirements and guidance documents:
As a federally authorized IRB, the JCPS IRB serves as the IRB of record for any requests involving JCPS schools. We do not hold cooperative agreements with external IRBs. Thus, no research or evaluation activities can take place in JCPS schools without approval from the JCPS IRB.