DCPS Human

What types of research proposals does DCPS accept for review?

DCPS accepts several types of research proposals, including: proposals originating within DCPS offices and departments; responses to DCPS requests for proposals for external audits and research; and unsolicited research proposals that support DCPS's strategic priorities from individuals, organizations independent of DCPS, or DCPS employees fulfilling graduate requirements. Generally, DCPS does not accept research proposals from graduate students who are not DCPS employees, with limited exceptions for former employees with good service records or those with pre-existing working relationships with DCPS .

What are the main ethical considerations for conducting research in DCPS?

DCPS prioritizes ethical research practices that protect students and staff. Key ethical principles include: respecting privacy and confidentiality of data as required by FERPA; minimizing interference with school instruction and operations; supporting DCPS values of equity and anti-racism; avoiding randomized control trials where students are denied services or deceived; obtaining appropriate informed consent; and ensuring all researchers pass required background checks .

What is the timeline for research proposal submission and approval?

DCPS recommends submitting research requests at least 90 days in advance of proposed research commencement. This timeframe allows sufficient time for both the proposal review process and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) process. For researchers seeking to conduct or begin research in the current school year, DCPS recommends submitting by the January submission due date at the latest. Research cannot begin until the MOA is finalized, which extends the approval process timeline .

What documentation is required for a complete research proposal?

A complete research proposal must include:

• Completed template with project information

• Narrative description of research methodology

• Letter of support from a DCPS advocate

• IRB approval or exemption documentation

• All data collection instruments and protocols

• Consent forms for participants or parents

• Brief biographical sketches of key personnel

Who needs to provide letters of support for research proposals?

The appropriate DCPS advocate depends on the research scope:

• For primary data collection in one school: the school principal

• For significant primary data collection in multiple schools: each principal and possibly a DCPS Chief

• For secondary administrative data only: preferably a DCPS Chief, though a staff member at director level or above may sponsor if they copy their office chief

How does DCPS classify confidential data in research contexts?

DCPS defines confidential data as:

• Any student records containing Personally Identifiable Information (as defined by FERPA)

• Any employment records containing individual-level data

• Aggregate data constructed from student or employment records comprising groups of fewer than ten individuals

What are the requirements for protecting confidentiality in research publications?

To protect confidentiality, DCPS may require that schools or the District not be identified in publications. Researchers must provide any proposed publications or presentations to DCPS for review and comment at least fourteen days prior to submission. In some instances, DCPS may require approval rights for publications or presentations, as well as co-authorship with DCPS staff. For multi-year projects, researchers must provide annual interim reports to DCPS for internal use .

What restrictions apply to data collection in DCPS settings?

Several important restrictions apply to data collection:

• No DCPS staff time or resources (including email) may be used to recruit participants

• School staff may not be utilized to collect data

• The DCPS Central Office does not grant permission for the use of school buildings for data collection; this must be arranged with the school principal

• All non-DCPS personnel participating in data collection must submit to background checks as required by law

• Any research interference with school instruction and operations must be minimized

How should researchers design studies that support DCPS's equity priorities?

DCPS requires that research supports their values of equity and anti-racism. This means designing studies that help create environments that eliminate opportunity gaps, interrupt institutional bias, and remove barriers to academic and social success, particularly for students of color. Research methodologies should be culturally responsive and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or biases. Study designs should consider representation, inclusion, and potential differential impacts across demographic groups. Analysis plans should include examination of outcomes by relevant subgroups to identify potential equity gaps .

What methods have been successful in studying DcpS as a therapeutic target?

Research on DcpS as a therapeutic target has employed several sophisticated methodologies:

These methods collectively established DcpS as a novel therapeutic target for modulating gene expression by small molecules .

How can researchers analyze contradictory data in DcpS human studies?

When analyzing contradictory data in DcpS studies, researchers should:

• Compare experimental conditions carefully, as DcpS functions may differ in various cellular compartments

• Consider tissue-specific effects and potential differences between in vitro and in vivo models

• Examine temporal dynamics of DcpS activity and inhibition

• Analyze dose-response relationships comprehensively

• Consider potential compensatory mechanisms that may emerge upon DcpS inhibition

• Integrate multiple experimental approaches (genetic, biochemical, structural) to resolve contradictions

• Use statistical methods appropriate for the specific data types to determine significance of contradictory findings

What is the function of DcpS in human RNA metabolism?

DcpS is a nuclear shuttling protein that belongs to the histidine triad (HIT) superfamily of hydrolases. It plays a critical role in mRNA decay pathways by binding and hydrolyzing the m7GpppN mRNA cap structure. Specifically, DcpS functions in the 3′-5′ exonucleolytic pathway to hydrolyze the residual cap structure (m7GpppN) to m7GMP + pN after the mRNA body has been degraded. It also has functions in the 5′-3′ pathway. As a modulator of RNA metabolism, DcpS represents a novel therapeutic target for conditions where altering gene expression could provide benefit .

How do C5-quinazolines inhibit DcpS activity at the molecular level?

C5-quinazolines act as potent inhibitors of DcpS through a unique mechanism:

• They bind directly to the DcpS enzyme

• This binding traps the DcpS dimer in an open, catalytically incompetent conformation

• Specifically, one monomer of the enzyme is "closed" by binding the inhibitor, while the other monomer is held in an "open" conformation

• This structural change prevents DcpS from performing its normal enzymatic function of hydrolyzing the m7GpppN cap structure

• The potency of inhibition correlates with potency for SMN2 promoter induction, suggesting a direct mechanistic link

What is the connection between DcpS inhibition and Spinal Muscular Atrophy treatment?

The connection between DcpS inhibition and SMA treatment involves several key mechanisms:

• SMA is caused by deletion or mutation of both copies of the SMN1 gene that produces the essential SMN protein

• Disease severity is modified by variable copy numbers of a second gene, SMN2, which produces incorrectly spliced mRNA

• C5-quinazoline compounds that inhibit DcpS have been shown to increase SMN2 gene expression by approximately two-fold

• This increased expression of SMN2 can potentially compensate for the loss of SMN1, providing therapeutic benefit

• The molecular pathway linking DcpS inhibition to SMN2 upregulation appears to involve changes in RNA metabolism, though the precise mechanism requires further elucidation

How should researchers design experimental controls when studying DcpS inhibitors?

When designing experimental controls for DcpS inhibitor studies, researchers should implement:

• Vehicle controls matching the solvent used for inhibitor delivery

• Dose-response experiments to establish concentration-dependent effects

• Structurally similar but inactive compounds to control for non-specific effects

• Genetic controls (siRNA/CRISPR knockdown of DcpS) to compare with pharmacological inhibition

• Time course experiments to distinguish immediate versus delayed effects

• Cell type controls to determine tissue specificity of responses

• Positive controls with known DcpS inhibitors for reference

• Rescue experiments with DcpS overexpression to confirm specificity

What statistical approaches are recommended for analyzing DCPS human subject data?

When analyzing human subject data from DCPS studies, researchers should:

• Use appropriate statistical methods based on study design (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, multilevel modeling)

• Account for clustering effects in school-based data using hierarchical linear models

• Consider potential selection bias and implement proper statistical controls

• Ensure adequate sample sizes for statistical power, particularly for subgroup analyses

• Address missing data appropriately using methods like multiple imputation

• Control for relevant covariates including demographic and school-level factors

• Use both statistical significance and effect size measures to interpret findings

• Consider adjustment for multiple comparisons when conducting numerous tests

How can researchers effectively translate DcpS findings from molecular studies to clinical applications?

Translating DcpS findings from molecular studies to clinical applications requires:

• Validation in multiple model systems of increasing complexity (cells → tissues → animal models → human samples)

• Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies to determine if inhibitors reach target tissues at effective concentrations

• Biomarker development to monitor target engagement and therapeutic response

• Safety studies to identify potential off-target effects and toxicities

• Determination of appropriate dosing regimens based on molecular mechanisms

• Identification of patient populations most likely to benefit from DcpS-targeted therapies

• Development of combination approaches with other therapeutic strategies

• Design of clinically relevant outcome measures that reflect the molecular mechanisms of action

What are emerging areas of DcpS research beyond SMA applications?

Emerging areas of DcpS research beyond SMA include:

• Exploration of DcpS roles in other neurological disorders where RNA metabolism may be dysregulated

• Investigation of DcpS function in cancer biology, as RNA processing is frequently altered in malignancies

• Studies of DcpS in cellular stress responses and potential applications in stress-related disorders

• Examination of DcpS in aging processes and age-related diseases

• Development of novel DcpS modulators with improved pharmacological properties

• Investigation of tissue-specific functions of DcpS that might enable targeted therapeutic approaches

• Exploration of DcpS interactions with other RNA processing pathways and potential synergistic therapeutic targets

What are DCPS's priorities for future educational research?

DCPS prioritizes research that advances their strategic goals, including:

• Promoting equity and anti-racism in educational settings

• Eliminating opportunity gaps and removing barriers to academic success

• Interrupting institutional bias in educational practices

• Improving outcomes for students of color and other underserved populations

• Developing evidence-based interventions that support DCPS's mission to make it "the best urban school district in the country"

• Creating favorable conditions for high-quality research while respecting instructional time and individual privacy

• Building partnerships with the research community to benefit students and staff and contribute to wider improvement of public education

How might advances in RNA sequencing technologies impact future DcpS research?

Advanced RNA sequencing technologies will likely impact DcpS research by:

• Providing more comprehensive views of transcriptome-wide effects of DcpS inhibition

• Enabling single-cell analysis to detect cell type-specific responses to DcpS modulation

• Allowing detailed examination of alternative splicing patterns influenced by DcpS activity

• Facilitating investigation of non-coding RNA interactions with DcpS

• Enabling precise quantification of mRNA decay rates following DcpS inhibition

• Supporting identification of direct RNA targets of DcpS through techniques like CLIP-seq

• Improving detection of rare transcript variants that may be particularly sensitive to DcpS modulation

• Enhancing understanding of the regulatory networks connected to DcpS function

What are the steps for obtaining IRB approval for DCPS human subjects research?

To obtain IRB approval for DCPS human subjects research:

• Determine which IRB has jurisdiction (typically your institution's IRB)

• Prepare a comprehensive protocol describing research questions, methodology, participant selection, risks/benefits, and data security measures

• Develop appropriate consent/assent forms following IRB and DCPS guidelines

• Submit all materials to your institutional IRB for review

• Address any IRB concerns or requested modifications

• Obtain formal IRB approval or exemption documentation

• Include the IRB approval or exemption documentation with your DCPS research proposal

• Note that DCPS approval is separate from and additional to IRB approval - both are required

How should researchers approach recruitment of DCPS students and staff?

When recruiting DCPS students and staff:

• Clearly describe who is to be recruited and how recruitment will take place

• Remember that no DCPS staff time or resources (including email) may be used for recruitment

• School staff may not be utilized to collect data

• Arrange use of school buildings for data collection directly with the school principal after proposal approval

• Understand that participation is at the discretion of principals

• Ensure all non-DCPS personnel participating in data collection submit to required background checks

• Minimize disruption to school operations and instructional time

• Follow all approved protocols for obtaining informed consent/assent

What compensation practices are acceptable for DCPS research participants?

When compensating DCPS research participants:

• Follow DCPS Policy on Compensation for Participation in Research Studies

• Ensure compensation is appropriate and not coercive

• Consider non-monetary forms of recognition or compensation where appropriate

• Clearly describe any compensation in research proposals and consent forms

• Follow relevant tax and reporting requirements for monetary compensation

• Maintain records of all compensation provided to participants

• Ensure equity in compensation practices across participant groups

• Obtain approval for the compensation plan as part of the research proposal review process

What resources are available to assist researchers with DCPS proposal development?

Resources available to researchers include:

• Detailed guidelines in the "DCPS Process and Requirements to Conduct Research or Obtain Confidential Data" document

• The DCPS organizational chart to help identify appropriate advocates

• Direct contact with the Office of Data Systems & Strategy via researchrequests@k12.dc.gov

• The online proposal submission form at https://forms.office.com/r/sS4SASnYQU

• Access to a SharePoint folder for uploading proposal materials after form submission

• Appendices in the guidelines document providing templates and additional information

• DCPS staff who may serve as advocates for research projects

• Information about DCPS strategic priorities to align research proposals

How can researchers access specialized equipment for DcpS molecular studies?

For specialized equipment needs in DcpS molecular studies, researchers should:

• Establish collaborations with facilities that have protein crystallography capabilities for structural studies

• Seek access to high-throughput screening platforms for identifying novel DcpS modulators

• Partner with institutions that have protein microarray technology for target identification

• Utilize core facilities with advanced mass spectrometry for protein-ligand interaction analysis

• Access molecular modeling resources for computational drug design approaches

• Collaborate with laboratories equipped for RNA sequencing and analysis

• Connect with centers having animal facilities for in vivo testing of DcpS inhibitors

• Consider shared resource facilities at academic institutions or research consortia

What networks exist for collaborative research on DcpS and related enzymes?

Research networks for DcpS and related enzymes include:

• Academic research consortia studying RNA metabolism and processing

• SMA research networks investigating various therapeutic approaches

• Structural biology collaborations focusing on enzyme mechanisms

• Drug discovery partnerships between academia and industry

• Patient advocacy organizations supporting SMA and related research

• Rare disease research networks with interest in RNA-targeted therapeutics

• Computational biology groups working on RNA regulatory networks

• Translational research centers bridging basic science and clinical applications

How can researchers address conflicting data in DcpS inhibition studies?

When encountering conflicting data in DcpS inhibition studies:

• Verify compound purity and identity using analytical techniques (NMR, mass spectrometry)

• Confirm target engagement using multiple orthogonal assays

• Test for off-target effects using selectivity panels

• Examine cell type-specific responses that might explain different outcomes

• Consider the influence of experimental conditions (timing, dosage, etc.)

• Validate key findings using alternative methodological approaches

• Assess reproducibility across different laboratory settings

• Integrate findings through comprehensive meta-analysis of available data

What are common pitfalls in DCPS human subjects research and how can they be avoided?

Common pitfalls in DCPS human subjects research include:

• Insufficient planning for recruitment challenges - address by building flexible timelines and multiple recruitment strategies

• Inadequate attention to DCPS equity requirements - ensure research design explicitly supports equity goals

• Incomplete documentation in proposals - use the provided checklist to verify all required elements

• Underestimating time for approvals - submit at least 90 days before planned start date

• Missing required DCPS advocate support - identify and engage advocates early in proposal development

• Designing overly burdensome data collection - minimize disruption to school operations

• Inadequate data security measures - develop comprehensive data protection protocols

• Insufficient consideration of student well-being - prioritize student needs above research goals

How should researchers respond to unexpected findings in DcpS functional studies?

When encountering unexpected findings in DcpS functional studies:

• Verify the results through independent repetition of experiments

• Consider whether technical issues might explain the unexpected outcome

• Explore whether the finding reveals a previously unknown function of DcpS

• Design targeted follow-up experiments to systematically investigate the phenomenon

• Review literature for similar observations that might provide context

• Consider consulting with experts in related fields for alternative perspectives

• Evaluate whether the finding opens new research directions worth pursuing

• Document thoroughly, even if the finding contradicts initial hypotheses, as it may lead to important discoveries