IRB Review for Educational Research

TIER IRB provides independent IRB review for educational research. TIER IRB is registered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections (IRB00014054, parent organization IORG0010811). We review studies from education researchers, school partners, program evaluators, and edtech companies that need a credible, timely review.

Educational Research We Review

• Classroom and curriculum studies
• Evaluations of tutoring, after-school, and teacher training programs
• Surveys and interviews with teachers, staff, students, and parents
• Analysis of student records and assessment data
• Educational technology and learning platform studies
• Research in early childhood, K-12, higher education, and adult learning settings

Exemptions for Educational Research

Federal rules include an exemption for research in established educational settings that involves normal educational practices and is not likely to hurt student learning or the assessment of educators. Other exemptions can apply to educational tests, surveys, interviews, and some uses of existing records.

These exemptions have limits. Research with children has additional protections under the federal regulations, and surveys or interviews of minors generally cannot be exempt the same way they can for adults. We make that determination for you and explain it in writing.

Working With Schools and Student Data

Educational research often involves more than one set of rules. Along with IRB review, your study may need to account for:

• District or school research approval processes
• Student privacy rules for education records, such as FERPA
• Federal rules on surveys of students about sensitive topics in some funded programs
• Parental permission and student assent

IRB review does not replace district approval, but a written IRB determination is often something districts ask to see. Our review looks closely at how you handle student data, how families are informed, and whether participation is truly voluntary.

How the Review Works

Submit your protocol, consent and assent documents, and instruments. We confirm the right review pathway, the board reviews the study, and you receive a written determination. Exempt and expedited reviews typically take about two weeks once we have a complete application, and full board review takes about four weeks. See our IRB fees and submission steps for flat pricing and checklists.

Program evaluators should also read Does Program Evaluation Need IRB Approval?

Why Researchers Choose TIER IRB

TIER has more than 20 years of experience in research, evaluation, and IRB review, and our board works exclusively on social-behavioral, educational, and evaluation research. That means reviewers who understand your methods and do not apply clinical-trial standards to a survey or interview study.

• HHS-registered IRB you can verify in the OHRP database
• Flat, published fees with no surprise charges
• A board member you can talk to before and during review
• Written determinations that funders, partners, and journals recognize
• Service for researchers anywhere in the United States, based in Redfield, KS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is normal classroom research exempt?

Often it is, when it takes place in an established educational setting and uses normal educational practices. The IRB makes that determination based on your study design.

Do I need IRB review if the school already approved my study?

District approval and IRB review are separate. Many funders, journals, and universities expect an IRB determination even when the district has signed off.

Can you review studies that use existing student records?

Yes. We review secondary use of education records and assessment data, with attention to identifiability and student privacy rules.

Do you work with edtech companies?

Yes. We review user research and efficacy studies for learning platforms and educational technology products.