The Research, Evaluation & Analytics Department (READ) is responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of research and evaluation services at the OCDSB.
The division supports decision-making at the system, school, classroom, and student level through analysis and reporting of student achievement and well-being data. This supports the system’s responsibility to foster positive learning conditions for students and to provide them with equitable opportunities to reach their potential, as identified in the 2023-2027 strategic plan. Using a data support model, the READ team fosters data literacy for superintendents, principals, and school staff, with the goal of bringing lessons from data discussed in the Boardroom to drive positive change in the classroom.
READ works with and supports local, provincial, national, and international partners to ensure services align with community and education partners. This includes the review of external research proposals from individuals and/or agencies/organizations interested in conducting research with OCDSB staff, students, parents or programs.
Learn more about conducting external research in the OCDSB
READ follows guidelines set out by the Ministry of Education to inform a number of OCDSB initiatives and reports. The READ team coordinates and supports many aspects of this work, in collaboration with other departments such as Program & Learning Innovation and Learning Support Services. Working together as partners in education, and with a network of school boards across Ontario, READ supports important work that helps students succeed.
READ's Mission
- We support a learning community by modeling critical thinking and reflective data practices, empowering educators and leaders to use evidence to inform actions and decisions.
- We promote accountability, build trust, and drive meaningful change through transparent measurement, responsible reporting, and continuous monitoring
The values at the core of READ’s work include:
- Ethics: Engaging in and supporting purposeful research practices and the responsible use and management of data;
- Engagement: Working together as a team, embracing lessons from past experiences, and collaborating with schools and departments as learning partners;
- Equity: Ensuring the voices of our diverse community inform data-driven conversations as we work to reduce bias in research practices and interpretation; and
- Agility: Leveraging innovative solutions to provide clear, meaningful, and responsive insights to schools and departments, based on their feedback about their needs and priorities.
Recent Reports from READ:
- Update on Student Learning: Preparation of Students for Future Success (May 2025)
- Update on Student Learning: Student Engagement & Well-Being (April 2025)
- Update on Student Learning: Core Academic Skills (February 2025)
- Valuing Voices Demographic Report (December 2025)
- Valuing Voices School Climate Survey Results (Fall 2024)
- Ministry of Education Student Achievement Plan (2023-2024)
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Contact READ
Research, Evaluation & Analytics Department