Schools approve scientific research projects

Please contact the Supervisory and Services Directorate to submit an application.

Hint: Parallel to the application to the ADD, the same documents should be sent to the State Commissioner for Data Protection Rhineland-Palatinate for review of data protection concerns.

The Aufsichts- und Dienstleistungsdirektion Trier is responsible.

Authorisation may be granted if the project pursues a substantial pedagogical-scientific interest or equivalent interest and the burden on the school is reasonable.

Required documents:

• Information on the head of the investigation, a short but conclusive description of the process, scope and objectives of the project as well as a description of the planned evaluation and feedback on the results
• Information letter for the participants, in which explicit reference is made in particular to the voluntary nature of participation and page 2 of 4 Non-discrimination in the event of non-participation and data for contacting the responsible body are provided,
• Letter for the written declaration of consent of participation, in which in particular information on the storage and destruction of the data is given and a reference to the possibility of revocation of consent without giving reasons and without associated disadvantages is made,
• letter to the legal guardians (in the case of minor study participants) informing them accordingly about the planned examination and obtaining their consent for the child's participation,
• survey instruments as view copies (e.g. questionnaire, interview guide) or description of the planned procedure (e.g. observation criteria),
• a declaration that it is ensured that unauthorised third parties do not have access to the data collection,
• Overview of the schools at which the project is to be carried out or a designation of the types of school with grade level and the spatial area in which the investigation is to take place (e.g. grade 9 of all grammar schools in the area of the city of Mainz or similar)

There are no fees.

There are no deadlines to be observed.

• § 67 Abs. 6 Schulgesetz (SchulG)

An objection may be lodged.

The application must be made in writing or electronically.

The universities of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate have been granted general permission to carry out scientific investigations in schools; there is an obligation to notify. Unless there is an objection by the Supervisory and Services Directorate within three weeks of notification, the investigation shall be deemed approved.

14.01.2020