Research, Evaluation & Analytics Department

The Research, Evaluation & Analytics Department (READ) is responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of research and evaluation services at the OCDSB.

READ supports decision-making at the system, school, classroom and student level by analyzing student data on achievement and well-being. 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.

Overall, READ’s mission is:

• To support a learning community through data-informed practices and evidence-based decision making;
• To promote accountability through transparent measurement, monitoring, and responsible reporting; and
• To engage with students, staff, and the community to ensure their voices are reflected in data-driven conversations.

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;
• Collaboration: Working together as a team and collaborating with schools and departments as learning partners;
• Equity: Honouring and responding to the voices of our diverse community to eliminate bias in research practices and interpretation; and
• Impact: Sharing and using results in a clear and meaningful way to build trust, support data use, and effect change at the District, school, and classroom level