Ann-Marie Faria

Conducting Prevention Research and Evaluation in Schools

In a time when schools are experiencing the burden of multiple high-priority initiatives and, in many cases, tight budgets, federal priorities to increase evidence for programs and to promote educationally relevant research are increasing the research demands on schools. Given the increasing pressures experienced by schools, researchers need to carefully and artfully plan their work to maximize chances for success. This chapter presents some real-world challenges and solutions from research partnerships carried out with schools and districts including describing some considerations in maintaining the integrity of experimental designs in schools. We organize the chapter around a four-phase process of research with schools that includes (1) planning (building authentic partnerships with schools), (2) recruitment, (3) data collection, and (4) communication. At each phase, it is important for researchers to be open to educators’ ideas and ensure that the research serves the educators’ as well as the researchers’ mission. Our recommendations for researchers emphasize (1) respectful of school culture and customs; (2) patient if your study is not the school’s first priority; (3) authentic in your intentions to improve student outcomes, and to build positive relationships with school personnel; (4) persistent in engaging across seasons and across turnover of school/district leaders; and (5) demonstrably grateful to school staff for their participation and partnership in your study.