Overview
Mission
The Research, Data, and Evaluation (RDE) unit supports the mission and goals of the DeKalb County School District by providing fair, accurate, and relevant information that promotes a culture of informed decision making. Through collaboration and communication with both internal and external stakeholders, RDE seeks to provide our constituents with high-quality data resulting in insights and solutions to the district’s most pressing challenges.RDE will operate as the center for the district’s data analysis and management and will ensure that research conducted by affiliates, employees and vendors align with the district’s strategic plan and commitment to its stakeholders.
RDE conducts district-wide surveys and data collection for instructional improvement and planning initiatives; coordinates and manages data requests to conduct educational research; compiles reviews of literature and identifies current trends in education to support the district leadership in planning for the future; provides research consultation; and offers technical training and assistance to schools, departments, and professional staff.
Vision
The RDE team is committed to creating data-driven solutions that- Inform decisions made by policymakers and stakeholders within and without the district
- Provide insight about the effectiveness of district programs and policies for future endeavors
- Lead to innovation in research and evaluation methodologies using existing tools and resources
Commitment to Accuracy
Accuracy is key to each aspect of the department’s operation. The team strives to ensure that data provided are- Complete and meets requested specifications
- Accurate during every stage—from retrieval to analysis.
- Accessible for seamless communication between departments
Research Proposals
COVID-19 Data Collection Amendment
Due to the current reopening status of DeKalb County Schools, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Research, Data, and Evaluation Department has amended the process in which researchers collect data for their research studies. To decrease the level of exposure to our students, staff, parents, and stakeholders, until further notice, we are suspending the practice of collecting in-person data to comply with current recommendations from the medical community and DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) current policies. Virtual data collection is acceptable.DCSD employees may be granted permission to conduct virtual classroom observations. However, they will have to receive written consent from the building principal and teacher of the class they plan to observe. Due to technology restrictions, this virtual data collection method is restricted to only internal DCSD employees.
The Research, Data, and Evaluation Department is grateful for your support of this essential amendment to the research proposal process.
2020—2021
Research Proposals Procedures
All prospective researchers who are interested in conducting research in DeKalb County School District are required to submit a formal application and receive written approval before any research activities may begin. The district has adopted new guidelines for conducting research that should streamline the process.SCHOOLS FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR (DUE TO STATE ASSESSMENTS
AND END-OF-YEAR ACTIVITIES).
| Submission Deadline (Midnight) | Reviewed | Decision Letter Sent (approximate date) |
|---|---|---|
| August 21, 2020 | September 2020 | October 2020 |
| December 18, 2020 | January 2021 | February 2021 |
| April 23, 2021 | May 2021 | June, 2021 |
– addresses conducting research, administering surveys and questionnaires, and defines what the district considers to be research and/or data collection proposals
Evaluation of Instructional Program (IJ)
– addresses the evaluation of instructional programs
COVID-19 Data Collection Amendment
Due to the current reopening status of DeKalb County Schools, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Research, Data, and Evaluation Department has amended the process in which researchers collect data for their research studies. To decrease the level of exposure to our students, staff, parents, and stakeholders, until further notice, we are suspending the practice of collecting in-person data to comply with current recommendations from the medical community and DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) current policies. Virtual data collection is acceptable.DCSD employees may be granted permission to conduct virtual classroom observations. However, they will have to receive written consent from the building principal and teacher of the class they plan to observe. Due to technology restrictions, this virtual data collection method is restricted to only internal DCSD employees.
The Research, Data, and Evaluation Department is grateful for your support of this essential amendment to the research proposal process.
Contact
678.676.03001701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Dr. Linda Frazer
Associate Superintendent
678.676.0300
Rebecca Braaten
Director of Research, Data & Evaluation
678-676-0472
404-427-0028
Dr. Carol Thurman
Coordinator II
678.676.0677
Michael Shaw
Coordinator II
678.676.0325
Dr. Michael Hines
Data Analyst III
678-676-0510
Dr. Melisha Harris
Coordinator II
678-676-0550
Alycia Campbell
Administrative Assistant
678-676-0550