Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings that specifically involves normal educational practices that are not likely to adversely impact students’ opportunity to learn required educational content or the assessment of educators who provide instruction.  This includes most research on regular and special education instructional strategies, and research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.

 NOTE:   Research involving normal educational practices in this category may include various methods and types of data (including identifiable data), such as: 

·         student course grades, test scores, assignments, journals

·         videotapes, photos, or observation of classroom activity

·         curriculum-related interviews or questionnaires with students, teachers, parents, administrators

 Examples of educational research which may not qualify under this category include:

·         Research conducted by department or program chairs who also hold responsibility for evaluation of faculty,

·         Research involving the assignment of students to either a proven educational technique or a novel educational technique (i.e. experimental or quasi-experimental design).

 When academic records will be used for research, the investigator is responsible for compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  Refer to SOP 11.1 Use of Confidential Records and the Office of Registration and Records for more information.