Contact Research

 Address:

505 S. Main Street, Ste. 400

Las Cruces, NM 88001

Jennifer Coon
Phone: (575) 527-5818
Email: research@lcps.net

Teaching and Learning Menu

Content Information

Research

The Las Cruces Public Schools Institutional Review Board (IRB) is committed to supporting quality research that addresses questions of educational importance and contributes to the improvement of the educational program in the District.

All individuals interested in conducting research in LCPS must submit a completed application packet (ILD-E1). Failure to submit required materials or multiple submissions may cause processing delays. Submit the application forms and all attachments to research@lcps.net.

Internal Researchers

Approval from LCPS Institutional Review Board is not required, and an application for exemption can be completed, when ALL three of the following conditions are met:

  1. The researchers are LCPS employees who, within the bounds of their job responsibilities, have direct access to all data and/or participants needed for the study (e.g., a teacher studying his/her students’ writing improvement);

  2. The employees’ immediate supervisor, principal, and/or appropriate department head, has reviewed the study details and given the employee explicit permission to conduct the study; AND

  3. Study findings will NOT be submitted for publication and will only be presented to a university class and/or at the school where the research took place unless additional permissions are obtained.

If you are unsure of whether your study meets ALL three conditions for exemption, please email your specific question(s)/concerns to research@lcps.net and a Research Review member will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Research Guidelines

Researchers will be required to follow the governing procedures and guidelines in relation to visiting school facilities. [See Regulation Code: KI]

  • All research must be conducted in compliance with state and federal laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

  • Active parental consent for student participation must be obtained before any individually identifiable student information is released or data is collected.

  • Active consent/assent from all subjects must be obtained before any research activity is started.

  • Individual students, staff, or schools may not be identified in any report.

  • Research projects must not pose any risks to subjects (risks of harm anticipated are no greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life.)

  • Research cannot be conducted in the schools without an official approval letter from the District’s Institutional Review Board.

  • No data collection or research activity will be allowed on testing days. Please consult the district’s assessment calendar.

  • Researchers are responsible for reporting their findings to the district.

  • Participation in research studies is voluntary. Schools, principals, teachers and student who do not wish to participate have a right to refusal. Pressure shall not be applied to promote participation.

Application Process for External Applicants

LCPS strives to ensure a solid partnership with those who wish to conduct research within our organization. Even so, priority to the needs of LCPS students and staff takes precedence. Poor planning and incomplete/ subpar applications on the part of the applicant do not negate the process that must be followed to ensure the LCPS IRB team members maintain their focus on the priorities of the teaching and learning in Las Cruces Public Schools.

  1. LCPS receives ALL application materials (Monthly submission window is the 1st-15th of each month. Materials received after this window will not be reviewed until the following month.)

  2. Application materials screened (16th-20th of each month which includes verification of completion/ accuracy of application, consultation with LCPS individuals the research may impact, and if the research follows the expectations outlined in application)

  3. Vetted/ screened application packets are provided to the IRB for review. Those applications that do not meet expectations will not be shared with the IRB and an email will be sent to the submitter with an explanation as to why it will not be considered.

  4. IRB submits a recommendation to the final approving authority

    1. Not Recommended

    2. Recommended

    3. Recommended with changes (Applicant makes required modifications)

  5. Final approving authority signs notification letter indicating decision

    1. Approval

    2. Denial

  6. IRB provides applicant with a copy of the notification letter (First week of next month)

All Informed Consent Forms for students and/or parents must contain the following items:

  • “I do not wish (my child) to participate” option on the form.

  • The school district is neither sponsoring nor conducting this research.

  • There is no penalty for not participating.

  • Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

  • Forms available in both English and Spanish

Application Packet

ILD-E1 Research Application