Research Priorities

Research conducted within MPS is governed by MPS Policy 1730 (Academic Research) and Regulation 1730A (Responsibility, Definitions and Procedures for Research Approval). 

The Research, Evaluation, & Assessment Department oversees the process in conjunction with the District General Counsel’s Office. All requests to conduct research, whether from a Minneapolis Public Schools employee or from anyone outside the District, are to be referred to the REA Department. 

Preference will be given to research projects that align with these four strategic plan goals: 

1. Academic Achievement

Every student achieves their full potential through equal access to programming that is academically rigorous and connects learning with students’ experiences.

2. Student Well-Being

Every student’s physical and mental well-being is addressed as an integral part of their education.

3. Effective Staff

School and district staff approach all work centered on students and equity.

4. School and District Climate

MPS is seen by our community as welcoming, responsive, and connected.  

Guidelines for conducting research projects in the district are the following:

1. The study must be in alignment with district priorities.

2. The study must have the potential to make a definite contribution to the education profession and/or to the Minneapolis Public Schools in particular.

3. The study must be pedagogically sound and feasible in terms of its demands on student time, teacher time, and possible expense to the district.     

4. The study design should minimize disruption to instructional time.

5. Staff members’ time must be protected so that they can complete their assigned duties.

6. There must be reasonable assurance that no child in the Minneapolis Public Schools will suffer educationally as a result of the research.

7. The researcher must use appropriate methods to secure informed consent from study participants. The overall design of the study must be sound and have the potential for successful completion.

8. The project must comply with ethical standards for research in education and with all regulations set forth in federal and state law, particularly as they pertain to privacy of data on individuals.