Office of Planning and Research

For Researchers

The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) is the first point of contact for any external researchers wishing to use DESE data, whether on a contract with the DESE or for their own research purposes.

Public data are readily available from the DESE website. OPR can direct researchers to various sources of publicly available data.

Confidential, personally identifiable data may also be made available in limited circumstances using the research exemptions contained in the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act .

Researchers are encouraged to review DESE's research agenda to see current topics of interest, and to review DESE's Researcher's Guide to familiarize yourself with the research process, before submitting a proposal . DESE's research team typically meets the 3rd Thursday of every month to review new proposals and will respond to inquiries after those meetings.

If you have questions about any of these matters, please email the Office of Planning and Research .

For those interested in early education research, DESE encourages researchers to review the Research Agenda for the Massachusetts Office of Early Education and Care (EEC) . The EEC Research Agenda includes directions for contacting EEC. For those interested in higher education research, DESE encourages researchers to visit the Department of Higher Education Data Center .

Helpful Guidance

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Top