FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS
Research and Development Guidelines and Procedures
for FAU University, Schools and Center Faculty
Introduction
The College of Education at Florida Atlantic University is fortunate to have four university schools
and centers as laboratory research partners. The overall purpose of research and development
efforts at Alexander D. Henderson University School, The FAU High School, The Karen Slattery
Educational Research Center for Child Development, and Pine Jog Environmental Education
Center is to further the mutual goals in terms of curricular development and research programs for
the laboratory schools and centers and university faculty.
The guidelines and procedures, and the call for proposals included in this document are intended to
facilitate ethical, rigorous and beneficial research by and among faculty affiliated with Florida
Atlantic University. This document is offered by the Florida Atlantic University Schools/College
of Education Research Committee, a joint committee of faculty from the College of Education and
the A.D. Henderson University School, in coordination with the Associate Dean for Research and
Graduate Studies in the COE and the administration of the University Schools and Centers at FAU.
Alexander D. Henderson University School (ADHUS) is a public school district functioning as a
laboratory school located on the campus of FAU in Boca Raton. Within the context of an
exemplary educational program for the students enrolled, the essential role of the school is to
provide for educational research and curriculum development for service to public schools. It
serves as a site for student field experiences and provides an excellent opportunity for teacher
trainees to work with highly qualified master teachers in a model school environment.
The FAU High School opened its doors to students for the first time in the fall semester of 2004.
Students experience college level courses in the environment of the university classroom,
laboratories, and support facilities. This highly selective program offers high school students
(grades 9-12) the opportunity to earn high school credits and university course hours at the same
time.
The Karen Slattery Educational Research Center for Child Development is designed to
provide a model educational environment for children of FAU students, faculty and staff, to
provide educational opportunities in the teaching field and to provide research opportunities.
The Pine Jog Environmental Education Center has the mission of developing, providing and
modeling environmental education programs which foster an awareness and appreciation of the
natural world, promote an understanding of ecological concepts and instill a sense of stewardship
toward the earth and its inhabitants.
Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition is a unique partnership between Florida
Atlantic University (FAU) and the Saint Lucie County School District (SLCSD). Through
utilizing research, developing challenging and relevant work, establishing school , home and
community partners; we will provide all students opportunities to reach their full potential.
Palm Pointe Educational Research School at Tradition (K - 8) opened its doors in the fall of 2008.
As a charter laboratory school, it is a public school operated by FAU-Treasure Coast University
Schools in collaboration with St. Lucie County Public Schools. They form a unique relationship
with FAU providing program oversight, and a pioneering level of opportunity for inventive
teaching methods and research. The school will be held to all state accountability measures
including student performance, the FCAT, and meaningful research and grant support.
Teachers and administrators for the new charter school will have the opportunities and
encouragement to research new educational options by redefining course content, instructional
methods and organizational framework. The school will also serve as a training ground for new and
existing teachers serving the county’s students.
Possible Research Models and Designs in FAU Schools and Centers
Some possible models for conducting research and development include, but are not limited to the
following:
a) Research proposed by university/college faculty, requesting use of a university school or
center as a site and engaging pupils, teachers, and/or parents as subjects or /participants in
the study.
b) Independent research proposed by university school or center faculty, in the manner of
action research or collaborative action research.
c) Action research or collaborative action research proposed by university school or center
faculty in collaboration or mentorship with designated university/college faculty.
d) Doctoral research requesting use of a university school or center as a site and engaging
pupils, teachers, and/or parents as subjects or participants in the study. Doctoral students
may or may not be on staff at the university, university schools, or center.
e) Cooperative research programs designed by university/college faculty, university school or
center faculty/staff and pursued jointly.
f) Curriculum or program evaluation.
g) Multiple partner funded research that involves state or federal grant request for funding
requirements.
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Considerations for Prospective Researchers at FAU University Schools and Centers
Prospective researchers should consider the following questions and address them when designing
a research proposal:
 Will the proposed research have tangible benefits to students, faculty, and/or parents?
 Is the proposed research beneficial to the research and professional community?
 Will the proposed research provide additional assets, resources, or skills that improve
teaching and learning?
 Will the proposed research involve time and participation by university school or center
faculty/staff?
 How will the proposed research be shared with university school or center faculty/staff in
order to ensure commitment and/or agreement?
 How is the proposed research consistent with the university school or center’s mission,
improvement plan, or strategic plan?
 How will communication occur with all participants and/or interested parties?
 How will the proposed research be disseminated?
 Will the proposed research be unnecessarily redundant?
 Will the proposed research do any potential harm to certain groups?
 Is the timing of proposed research sensitive to university school or center
schedule/calendar?
 Are the resources sufficient for successful implementation or will implementation be
contingent on external funding?
Proposal Approval Processes
The Florida Atlantic University Schools/College of Education Research Committee’s role is
to inform faculty and staff, clarify procedures, connect potential research partners, and serve as
liaisons. The Committee does not approve research proposals. Final decisions are made by the
FAUS administration after approval from the IRB.
All research conducted at or with university school or center staff, pupils, or parents must be
approved by the FAU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Human Subjects Committee. The
process includes the approval of Department Chairs and the specific College’s Dean or Associate
Dean for Research and Graduate Studies.
In addition, all research conducted at or with university school or center staff, pupils, or parents
must be approved by the FAUS Director, Principal, and/or other administrator responsible for the
FAU school or center.
Lastly, researchers must comply with state laws regarding security clearance procedures within
schools and centers.
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Specific Approval Steps
Make appointment to discuss proposed research with university school or center
administrator(s) responsible for approval, addressing bulleted Considerations for Prospective
Researchers in this document. Researchers should determine which faculty, staff, or parents will be
needed to conduct the study.
If there are questions or concerns regarding the proposed research, the FAUS director may consult
the FAUS/COE Research Committee for advice. Submit proposal to university school or center
administrator for preliminary approval.
Researchers should submit proposal to IRB, with signatures of Department Chair, College Dean or
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies. When approved by IRB, the proposal should be
resubmitted to the university school or center administrator.
Conducting the Study and Disseminating Findings
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A mutually agreed upon timeline will be negotiated by the researcher and the FAUS or
center director.
All participants will be volunteers who have signed Consent Forms approved by IRB.
Procedures will follow the IRB protocols.
A mutually agreed upon document or presentation will be communicated to the FAUS
school or center.
The researcher also agrees to disseminate results to the school or center community in a
poster board format.
Contacts and Research/Development Liaisons
Florida Atlantic University Schools
Executive Director: Mr. Glenn Thomas, gthomas@fau.edu
A.D. Henderson University School and FAU-High School
Principal/Director: Dr. Patricia Hodge, phodget@fau.edu
Coordinator, Research Programs/Services: John Hardman, whardma1@fau.edu
Karen Slattery Educational Research Center for Child Development,
Director: Lydia Bartram, lbartram@fau.edu
Director, Early Childhood Education: Dr. Nancy Brown, nbrown29@fau.edu
Pine Jog Environmental Education Center
Director: Ms. Pat Welch, welch@fau.edu
Director of Education: Susan Toth, stoth2@fau.edu
Pine Jog Elementary School
Principal: Fred Barch, barchf@palmbeach.k12.fl.us
Palm Pointe @ Tradition
Principal: Deborah Snyder, snyderd@stlucie.k12.fl.us
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FAUS/COE RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Attachment 1
Florida Atlantic University Schools/College of Education Research Committee’s
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Open invitation for college faculty and university school practitioners to submit proposals to
conduct research at the Florida Atlantic University Schools, focusing on identified needs and
research interests.
Most relevant areas:
1. Research – The schools offer a diversity of settings and opportunities for a variety of
investigations that can be conducted by teachers, professors, and graduate students, including:
a.
Teaching and learning in diverse environments
b.
The implications of growth and diversity for specialist support programs (Reading, ESE,
Speech and Language)
c.
The impact of a comprehensive wellness program, integrating health, nutrition and
exercise, on student achievement
d.
Early childhood education (Slattery)
e.
Environmental education (Pine Jog)
f.
Development and research for the diversity of personnel in the schools.
2. Experimentation and Action Research – Provide a laboratory of human resources to engage in
the development, evaluation and refinement of educational innovations.
3. Research on Clinical Teaching Experiences – Provide for observation and participation in a
setting of quality educational practice.
4. Curriculum Development – Provide a setting to create, pilot and evaluate new curriculum
materials and teaching strategies.
5. Staff Development and Research – Provide a site conducive to educational staff development
and research for the diversity of personnel in the schools.
If you wish to submit a proposal for consideration to the FAUS/COE Research Committee, please
complete and return the summary sheet below to Dr. Ira Bogotch at ibogotch@fau.edu.
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FAUS/COE RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Attachment 2
Call for Proposals Summary Form
Purpose of study:
Type of research:
a.
Qualitative research
b.
Quantitative research
c.
Mixed methods
d.
Action research
e.
Best practice
f.
Other: ______________________________________________
Projected start date: ______________
End date: _______________
4.
Graduate Student
Investigator is: Faculty
Staff
Undergraduate
Name of Investigator ____________________
FAU Phone Extension __________________
E-Mail Address ______________________________________
College: ______________ Department: _____________
5.
Sample (age range of subjects):
6.
Describe the objectives and significance of the proposed research, and the benefits to the
participants.
7.
Provide an overview of the research design and data collection methods that relate to the
subjects’ participation.
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FAUS/COE RESEARCH COMMITTEE
Attachment 3
University School or Center Proposal: Key Elements (5-7pages)
1. Statement of the Problem
2. Theoretical and Practical Significance of the Study
3. Research Question(s) or Hypotheses
4. Design
a. Sampling/Population
b. Research Methods
c. Instruments
5. Data Collection
a. Timeline
b. Data Analysis
c. Audiences and Stakeholders
6. Dissemination of Findings
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