Basic Approval Options

These are the simplest options for obtaining HIDOE data.

• There are multiple data resources that are available for public access and use. Click here for a compiled list.
• The Coursework Form option is allowable with certain conditions (see more details in the form).
• If you already have an existing agreement with HIDOE to conduct certain research or data collection activities through a means other than the research application, it may be necessary for the Data Governance and Analysis Branch to review consent or assent forms before research activities.

Data Requests

De-identified Student Data from Education Records: To appropriately direct your request for de-identified student data, please complete the Data Request Form. You will be directed to the appropriate contact office. DGA retains the right to approve or refuse all requests. 

YRBS Data: If you are interested in Hawaii's Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, you should first review the large collection of reports on the Hawaii Health Data Warehouse as these resources may be sufficient. In addition, a large compiled data set is available on the CDC website that contains all of the standard questions that can be used for national comparison. If, however, you require raw YRBS data for the state of Hawaii’s specific "state-added questions," you should contact the Hawaii Department of Health for more information on how to request YRBS Health Indicators.

Data Sharing Agreements

Projects with Department support at the school, complex, complex-area, or state level may qualify for a data sharing agreement, bypassing the research approval process (faster timeline). 

Before initiating a data sharing agreement, review publicly available Department data types available here. In certain limited circumstances, it is appropriate for Department staff, school personnel, or data systems to provide the data directly to you. Generally, requests for data are completed by the Data Governance and Analysis Branch. Data delivery methods are through CSV files. Department approval is required before data may be shared. The Department generally uses a data share agreement for these types of requests. 

Contact the Data Governance and Analysis Branch for further information on data sharing agreements at datashare@k12.hi.us.

Research Applications

Under BOE Policy 500-21 Student Information and Confidential Records, prior approval from the Department is mandatory before sharing any student information, opinions, or statistical data. Research applications must be submitted through the process below. Please review the following information for details:

• Overview of Application Process

• Research Application *for an alternate version, please contact the Data Governance and Analysis Branch, 808-784-6061. This version of the research application must be used. The Research Committee will only review the most recent version of your research application.
  

• Research Review Committee Meeting Schedule 2024-25
  
• Additional Forms that may be required or useful for your application:​
  • Data Request Form
  • Adult consent form checklist
  • Student assent form checklist
  • Parent consent form checklist
  • Observation Form​

Researchers are encouraged to consult resources from other state and national organizations to ensure their research methods align with best practices. Notably, the Privacy Technical Assistance Center offers a toolkit to guide users of Department data on student information privacy and data destruction.