Section 4.1. MLDS Center Internal Review
MLDS Center staff will review the External Research Application and supporting materials submitted to the Executive Director to determine whether the research proposal meets the following criteria:
- Includes a complete MLDS Center External Research Application;
- Is a cross-sector analysis;
- Relates to the audit or evaluation of a State or federal education program;
- Aligns to the MLDS Research Agenda;
- Provides timely and accurate information about student performance that can be used to improve the State’s education system and guide decision makers at all levels;
- Contains clear and concise research questions or hypotheses;
- Applies appropriate and rigorous analysis and research methodologies;
- Seeks to use data that aligns with the research request;
- Presents a unique topic that does not duplicate research already completed or underway by the Center’s Research Branch or an external researcher;
- Demonstrates that the RA has the research background, experience, and qualifications to successfully complete the proposed research; and
- The topic of the study provides a benefit to the State.
After the internal review, the Executive Director will either:
- Refer the application to the RPB for review and input;
- Reject the application because it does not meet the above criteria; or
- Respond with additional questions, suggested edits, or requests for clarification.
4.2 Review by the Research and Policy Advisory Board (RPB)
The RPB will review the application at its next scheduled monthly meeting.
The RA is encouraged to attend the meeting, make a brief presentation on the proposed study, and answer questions from the RPB members.
The RPB will make a recommendation to the Executive Director on whether to accept, reject, or request a revision to the proposal.
4.3 Timeline
The internal review process (4.1A) will be completed within 21 days of receipt of the completed proposal from the RA.
The executive director will make the determination under 4.1B within 10 days of receiving the internal review whether to continue with the proposal.
If the executive director continues with the proposal, the proposal will be referred to:
- Counsel and subject matter experts for the partner agencies for review and comment; and
- The RPB for review at its next scheduled meeting that is at least two weeks from the date the proposal is sent to RPB members.
After input from counsel, subject matter experts from the partner agencies and RPB members, the Executive director will make a determination within five business days whether to continue with the application and seek:
- Governing Board approval at its next scheduled meeting; or
- Approval of the Chair of the Governing Board if a final determination is needed prior to the next scheduled Governing Board meeting.
4.4 Notification
The Executive Director will provide written notice to the RA informing the RA that the project has been accepted or rejected.
If the project has been accepted, the Executive Director and the RA will establish a project start date that:
- Commences as soon as practical after approval has been granted; or
- delayed up to six months:
Project approval will be rescinded after six months if the project has not started.