It is helpful if someone on the project planning team has connections with the school
department and can contact superintendents to get their buy-in and approval to use the school in
the research. Ideally, the superintendent can assist you in contacting school principals to get their
buy-in. It is critical to obtain the approval of school principals, as they generally have
complete decision-making power regarding what occurs in their schools. Principals are also
highly likely to want to notify parents before any research is conducted. Remember to build
time into your research schedule for schools to send notices to parents. In addition, school
systems have formal systems for reviewing research materials; there could either be a review
board or an individual who will review and approve your research materials. Talk to the school
superintendent to identify what the reviewing process is and who you should contact. Build this
review process into your research time line as well.