Wissenschaftliche Forschungsvorhaben in Schulen Genehmigung

SchulG § 120 para. 4; BASS 10 - 45 No. 2

Empirical studies or surveys to be carried out by individuals and institutions in schools require the approval of the respective school management.

The decision on approval is made by the school management after consultation with the school conference. If the project is of particular or supra-local significance, the higher school supervisory authority must be informed.

The requests should contain the following information and documents Documents should include:
- a description of the research project,
- samples of all documents intended to be used,
- information on the expected use of teachers and pupils,
- the timetable for the study or survey,
- in the case of requests from the higher education sector, a statement from the relevant university lecturer, in the case of requests from study seminars, a statement from the subject leader and the head of the seminar supporting the content and form of the project.

Consent can only be granted if
- there is no unreasonable burden on teaching,
- teachers and administrative staff of the school are not impaired in the performance of their duties,
- the project relates to the reality of teaching and education in schools and lessons,
- the type and content of the investigation or survey does not interfere with the rights of teachers, pupils, legal guardians or other persons worthy of protection,
- the anonymity of the persons concerned is preserved; if questionnaires are used, they must be returned in sealed envelopes;
- the names and addresses of the pupils and their legal guardians are not requested,
- the parents of the pupils concerned have given their written consent on the basis of comprehensive information about the project and have previously been informed of the voluntary nature of participation.
- if the investigations or surveys are of a suggestive nature or have an advertising character,
- if the school is only used as an organizational aid to reach a target group and the subject of the project
The results of the investigation or survey must be forwarded to the school.

Application directly to the school management

In NRW, empirical studies do not have to be approved by the Ministry of Education. This is the direct responsibility of the school management.

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