Research FAQs

  1. What is the first thing I need to do if I want to conduct a research study at Florida Virtual School?

    If you are interested in conducting a research study at FLVS, you will need to complete the proposal form. Once you submit your notarized form to the FLVS Support Center, the FLVS research program manager will notify you within 48 hours that the form has been received and will be reviewed at the next committee meeting.

  2. Once you have received my proposal, what is the process for its review?

    Upon receipt of all documentation for the research proposal (i.e. proposal form, notarization, IRB approval, etc…) the proposal will be reviewed by the FLVS Research Committee. Research Request Proposals are accepted through 12:00 p.m. (Eastern) on the penultimate Friday of each month; any proposals received thereafter will be reviewed the following month. The FLVS Research Committee meets the last Friday of each month.

  3. Do I have to have IRB approval to be considered?

    Yes. We will only consider research proposals that have been approved by their institution's human subjects review board.

  4. Am I able to preview FLVS courses?

    Yes, external researchers may receive demo access to FLVS courses upon the completion of a non-disclosure agreement between FLVS and researcher.

  5. Am I able to access student-level data?

    Yes, we are able to provide anonymous student level data. Researchers that receive ANY student level data must be fingerprinted and cleared through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database. Fingerprinting can either be completed at the FLVS Virtual Learning Center, located in Orlando, Florida, or through Fieldprint, which has locations all over the United States. Costs associated with fingerprinting are the responsibility of the researcher.

  6. Am I able to survey students and teachers?

    Yes, surveys can be distributed to students and/or teachers. Surveys must be included with the initial proposal for the committee to review. Researchers that are surveying students, even anonymously, must get fingerprinting clearance prior to survey distribution.

  7. If I am approved, how do I go about collecting my data or sending out my surveys?

    The research program manager will work with you hand-in-hand during the length of your study, and will work with the various departments within FLVS to fulfill the needs of your research.

  8. Are there any resources that can be reviewed for general information about FLVS?

    Yes. Please refer to the following links for more information about FLVS, our programs, and general data about our student population:
    Florida Virtual School Summary
    Florida Virtual School District Enrollment Summary
    Course Tours
    Student Resources Page
    FLVS Videos
    What Does FLVS Instruction Look Like?
    What Does an FLVS Lesson Look Like?
    Annual Evaluations
    Keeping Pace Report 2013

  9. Can I contact someone if I have any questions?
    Please email for further information. Please include the subject line “Research proposal question.”