Frequently asked questions
General questions about CORE are answered below. If you're after something more specific, jump to the Parent or Professional FAQs.
About the programme
What is CORE, and is it a government initiative?
CORE is one of Singapore's longest-running studies of classroom practice, active since 2004. It's a research–practice–policy partnership between the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), housed within the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP). CORE operates through NIE, part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) — it's an academic research programme, not a commercial study.
Importantly, CORE is a non-evaluative baseline investigation. We document what already happens in Singapore's classrooms in order to build an accurate picture of everyday practice. We are not assessing, grading, or ranking teachers, students, or schools, and no participant is judged on what we observe.
Is my data (or my child's data) safe?
Yes. All CORE research follows formal ethics approval (NTU IRB-2025-210). Data is securely stored and de-identified before analysis, so no individual is identifiable in published findings.
How do I get involved, or ask a specific question?
Head to Say Hello and pick the option that fits — General Enquiry, School Participation, Parent Question, Teacher Question, Researcher, or Others.
Questions about your child's participation
Is participation voluntary? Can I withdraw my child later? Who sees the data? Answered on The Family Corner.
Questions for teachers & researchers
How does my school take part? Can external researchers access CORE data? Answered on The Educator's Corner & Research & Data Access.