Research in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

It depends. To understand better, refer to the CMS Research Handbook. Below is a quick visual guide included within the handbook.

It is important to understand that while UNC Charlotte and CMS enjoy a close working relationship, each institution has its own procedures regarding inquiry and research. UNC Charlotte researchers are responsible for understanding the requirements of each and adhering to the processes prescribed by each institution. In some instances a project does not qualify as research under the UNC Charlotte Office of Research Protections and Integrity guidelines and does not warrant review by the IRB; nonetheless, the researcher is obligated to learn and follow the CMS processes with regards to contact with students, teachers, or staff to ensure his or her conduct is appropriate and professional.

CMS is interested in research that:

• Advances their strategic goals and guardrails
• Supports high-quality instruction
• Strengthens student engagement and well-being
• Expands student pathways to postsecondary enrollment, enlistment, and employment
• Promotes family and community engagement 
• Catalyzes innovation in teaching and learning

CMS wants to ensure that the schools and instructional time are protected. The CMS review is charged with making sure that the research conducted within CMS aligns with the goals of the current CMS Strategic Plan, so aligning projects with the content of the Strategic Plan improves your chances of approval.

In addition, CMS wants to ensure that the basic methodology is sound and the project is not frivolous for school personnel. Projects that are poorly planned, overly broad in scope, lack district-level support, or do not seem methodologically sound are unlikely to be approved.

Research that includes items listed below may not be approved:

• Do not demonstrate clear value or benefit to CMS students, staff, or families
• Are conducted by CMS employees involving students or staff with whom they work directly or supervise, due to concerns for bias and limited confidentiality. (Does not apply to classroom-based action research conducted as part of coursework or professional learning.)
• Exclusively uses public data.
• Cannot be feasibly completed within the project’s deadlines.
• Places undue burden on instructional time, schools, or staff.
• Lacks required IRB approval.
• Uses passive or broad consent in place of informed, voluntary participation.
• Seeks to use CMS data for marketing purposes, including AI model training.
• Involves highly sensitive topics without appropriate safeguards.
• Lacks a district support letter or, if conducted within a school, principal support

Any concerns involving approval of your study should be directed to research@cms.k12.nc.us. 

The CMS review process is similar to that of the UNC Charlotte IRB review process – a back and forth of comments and revisions to ensure quality and that all questions are answered. Most applications go through at least one round of revisions. Applications may be rejected if clarification questions are not adequately addressed.

Here’s what to expect during the CMS review process:

1. Feedback and revision requests. These may be to improve clarity, alignment, compliance, or feasibility of your study.
2. Application approval once all requirements are met and a data-sharing agreement is signed.
3. Onboarding for studies that require kickoff to confirm expectations, coordination, and next steps. 

The schedule for the review cycle can be found at this link. Scroll down the page and you will find it under the Research Application link or it can be located on page 25 of the CMS Research Handbook.

No. Review does not begin until your application file is complete. Once all required documentation is on file (including evidence of your final IRB approval), a review of your application will begin.