At St. Peter Faber Academy, research plays an important role in advancing educational quality. The academy functions as a laboratory school, fostering a dynamic interplay between research and teaching. This model ensures that innovative insights from research directly inform classroom practices, while feedback from educators shapes ongoing studies. Regular dissemination of research findings to SPFA and the broader community is integral to this process, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based teaching.
The collaboration between researchers and educators at St. Peter Faber Academy is essential for the success of this symbiotic relationship. When evaluating proposals for research collaboration, several considerations are made to ensure alignment with the educational philosophy of Xavier University, Xavier University's School of Education, and SPFA. The feasibility of the proposed work and the mutual benefits for SPFA students, teachers, and Xavier University are key factors in this assessment.
Considerations made when evaluating proposals for research collaboration at St. Peter Faber Academy
What kinds of research can be executed at SPFA?
Tier 1: Student Projects
Projects by Xavier University undergraduate and graduate students as a part of regular coursework. This tier could include students from any program across the university. This work is not disseminated outside of the classroom setting (if so, see Tier 3 or 4), but serves to enrich the learning experience for Xavier students in their discipline. This work typically would not require IRB approval.
Example: An education student observes students in their classroom environment and then reflects on childhood development.
Other studies might include classes conducting case studies or observation of student behavior or teacher best practices.
Tier 2: SPFA-Driven Research
Research led by SPFA faculty (or in direct collaboration with SPFA faculty). This tier requires an SPFA teacher as a principal investigator (PI) (with research training) or co-PI and falls into the natural sequence of the curricular framework. This is often referred to as action research. CITI training available to teachers
Example: A teacher trying out a new strategy in their classroom and reflecting on and sharing the results.
Other studies might include teachers investigating topics like standardized testing achievement, professional development for teachers, teacher ideology, school safety protocols, etc.
Tier 3: School of Education-SPFA Collaboration
The study is proposed by a researcher in the School of Education who looks to develop and sustain a relationship with the school and faculty and who aims to complete the work within the school context. This tier requires a faculty member from the School of Education as a PI or co-PI. This research benefits both the School of Education and SPFA.
Example: A faculty member in the School of Education interviews teachers about their experience teaching in a lab school.
Other studies might include faculty members investigating pedagogical choices, curricular analysis, interventions, assessments, etc., which may include work with students and/or teachers.
Tier 4: Xavier University-SPFA Collaboration
The study is proposed by a researcher outside the School of Education and SPFA but still affiliated with Xavier University. This tier requires a faculty member from Xavier University (outside of the School of Education) as a PI or co-PI. This research benefits SPFA and the broader Xavier community.
Example: A faculty member in the Exercise Science Department investigates outcomes of physical education programming.
Other studies might include investigations from departments like social work, psychology, occupational therapy, College of Nursing, College of Medicine, etc.
Tier 5: External Research Collaboration (not currently accepting applications for this tier)
The study is proposed by a researcher unaffiliated with Xavier University. Research proposed by individuals unaffiliated with Xavier University but without a Xavier co-investigator generally falls outside the oversight of Xavier’s Institutional Review Board (IRB); however, such studies should still be disclosed to relevant university offices—such as SPFA, the IRB, the Office of General Counsel, and the Provost’s Office—for review of risks and institutional alignment. If an unaffiliated researcher includes a Xavier co-investigator and has IRB approval from another institution, Xavier’s IRB will determine whether to issue its own exempt determination or enter into a reliance agreement for expedited or full-board reviews. In order for Xavier’s IRB to review a study directly, a Xavier faculty member must be listed as a PI or co-PI, ensuring appropriate oversight and compliance with university research standards.
Example: A nearby university develops science curricula and wants to investigate its use in practice.
Application Process
Questions? Email [email protected].