Oakland Unified School District welcomes applications to conduct high quality research projects that address questions relevant to our community and strategic goals. Currently, due to limited resources and staffing, research applications are only being considered for projects that are a) renewals of previously approved studies, b) applications from current OUSD employees who wish to conduct research in OUSD as a part of their postgraduate studies, or c) applications from OUSD partner organizations for evaluation studies of programs conducted in OUSD schools. Requests for data from employees are not subject to the same restrictions as new research proposals from non-employees.
For Employees Only: Internal Data Requests
If you are an OUSD employee and need data support, please complete one of the data request forms below. You will need to use your internal OUSD Gmail account to complete a request form. After a form has been submitted, a Data Analyst will contact you within two business days for support.
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For All: Research and/or Data Requests
In order to conduct research in OUSD or request data, a data & research application must be submitted for review. Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application consists of a completed research application form, including a description of the purpose and scope of the project, method of study or investigation to be used (including consent forms and research materials and protocols), extent of participation expected of students and staff (if applicable), the use to which project results will be put, and benefits to the school or district.
Reviews evaluate a) the extent to which a submission shows potential for improving instructional programs and strategies, b) addresses a relevant educational problem, concern or issue, and c) is designed to minimize interruptions and demands upon the time of students and staff. Only proposals that are compliant with state and federal laws (including FERPA) as well as local board policies and regulations may be granted approval. Approvals are granted for a period of one year. To extend any project into a second year, the researcher(s) must obtain approval via resubmission of their research application. All applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Note that there is currently up to a 10 week lag in the review process due to reduced staffing and existing workloads.
Regardless of whether a proposed project involves new data collection or a request for existing OUSD data, a research review is required. In some cases, OUSD schools or departments wish to partner with external researchers to collaboratively design studies that are aligned with our Strategic Plan and provide direct and immediate benefit to the district. In such situations, the sponsoring OUSD employee should contact the Research and Evaluation division of the Department of Research, Assessment and Data (RAD). Please email [email protected] for information on how to proceed.
Reviews evaluate a) the extent to which a submission shows potential for improving instructional programs and strategies, b) addresses a relevant educational problem, concern or issue, and c) is designed to minimize interruptions and demands upon the time of students and staff. Only proposals that are compliant with state and federal laws (including FERPA) as well as local board policies and regulations may be granted approval. Approvals are granted for a period of one year. To extend any project into a second year, the researcher(s) must obtain approval via resubmission of their research application. All applications are reviewed in the order that they are received. Note that there is currently up to a 10 week lag in the review process due to reduced staffing and existing workloads.
Regardless of whether a proposed project involves new data collection or a request for existing OUSD data, a research review is required. In some cases, OUSD schools or departments wish to partner with external researchers to collaboratively design studies that are aligned with our Strategic Plan and provide direct and immediate benefit to the district. In such situations, the sponsoring OUSD employee should contact the Research and Evaluation division of the Department of Research, Assessment and Data (RAD). Please email [email protected] for information on how to proceed.
