Update on the Ontario Education Research and Evaluation Strategy Carol Campbell, Doris McWhorter & Raymond Théberge

Symposium 2010: Bringing Research Into the Classroom What? How? Why? So What? What Next? How Effective? Practice + Evidence Practice + Evidence

Symposium 2010: Bringing Research Into the Classroom Inquiry Innovation Information Intervention Implementatio n Impact Insight Inspiration The Evidence Imperative

Conceptualizing Research Use and Knowledge Development Knowledge Generation –new research, new knowledge Knowledge Mobilization –communication, collaboration, interaction to develop and spread knowledge Knowledge Contextualization –adapting knowledge to context and needs Knowledge Application –applying to policy and/or practice for improved outcomes Knowledge Integration –cumulative and sustained integration of evidence through research-policy connections to inform discourse, attitudes, routines, thoughts and actions

Building on Successful Practices from ‘The Field’ Mind Shift: –Knowledge from the field –Knowledge from research and professional resources –Inquiry and questions –Adaptive solutions –Inspiring ideas –Improved student learning

School-University Collaborative Research: Supporting Factors Mutual interest Clear expectations Shared goals Respect and trust in the other party Flexible research design Willingness to experiment with research roles Adequate allocation of time and resources Long-term commitment Support and recognition from the administration Shared power and ownership of research

School-University Collaborative Research: Challenges Fighting stereotypes Providing political and financial stability Implementing reward and recognition systems Negotiating agendas and improving collaboration Dealing with lack of experience and training in conducting research Dealing with time constraints Disseminating knowledge

Ontario Ministry of Education Research and Evaluation Strategy Purpose: The Ontario Ministry of Education is committed to developing and implementing policies, programs, and practices that are evidence- based, research-informed, and connected to provincial education goals. Outcomes: The Ministry of Education is focusing its research activities on supporting its priority education goals: Improved student achievement Reduced gaps in student achievement Increased public confidence in publicly funded education Approach: A shared strategy designed to be inclusive of staff from across all parts of the ministry and to foster collaboration with partners across the education and research communities.

Education Research & Evaluation Strategy

Leading the Ministry’s Strategy What’s new? Realignment and strengthening of Ministry’s research, evaluation and data functions. Education Research and Evaluation Strategy Branch (ERESB) and Education Statistics and Analysis Branch (formerly Information Management Branch) become part of new French Language, Aboriginal Learning and Research Division. Assistant Deputy Minister, Raymond Théberge, responsible for executive leadership of research, evaluation and data analysis Brian Fleming Library and Recordkeeping become part of ERESB Establishment of Directors’ Research, Evaluation, Statistics and Analysis Committee Transitions for role of Director, Education Research and Evaluation Strategy Branch. Doris McWhorter is Interim Director. Ongoing Executive Leadership Team and ADMs Committee Ontario Education Research Panel Research and Evaluation Strategy functions and activities

Applying Research to Inform Policy, Program and Practice What’s new? Development of Vendor of Record for Education Research and Evaluation Services to improve procurement of services in four categories: Education Research Services; Education Evaluation Services; Knowledge Mobilization and Communications; and Educator Research Capacity Building Development of Integrated Evidence Plan for the Ministry of Education Release of major evaluations of Ministry strategies and goals Approval to issue RFP to establish Knowledge Network for Applied Education Research (KNAER) ERESB leading and/or advising on range of Ministry strategic research priorities in areas such as arts education, student well-being, report cards, technology and learning, and high school standards Ongoing 130 research, evaluation and/or data analysis activities in process or completed within past few years

Building Research Capacity What’s new? Pilot funding for Managing Information for Student Achievement (MISA) Professional Network Centres to design, implement and report on research capacity building partnership projects Development of draft ‘Evidence Framework’ with tools and resources for use by Ministry staff to apply evidence within policy process and program work Ongoing MISA increasing board capacity for use of data and related research activities. The Institute of Education Leadership is supporting use of research focused on leadership Teacher Learning and Leadership Program supporting professional development for experienced teachers, including teacher research Increased capacity building for Ministry staff – Evaluation and Research Learning Program, Policy Research Connections series

Networking and Partnerships What’s new? 4 new members appointed to the Ontario Education Research Panel. Co- chairs: Joan Green and Ben Levin. Further enhancements to Annual Symposium based on feedback from 2009 – increased size, interaction and range of formats. Strengthening of regional and provincial networks, including range of regional events. Pilot of AERO/OERP collaboration space Input to Regional Education Councils and strengthened collaboration with Field Services Ongoing Research Strategy Speaker Series to profile academic speakers on priority topics to present to Ministry staff. Meetings with partners and stakeholders

Communicating What’s new? New research and evaluation information added to Ministry public website including links to recent ministry researchhttp:// Launch of ‘Bits of Evidence in Education’ (BEEs) for Ministry staff Ongoing Further enhancements to intranet for Ministry staff Publication of Ministry funded and/or conducted research and evaluation in a range of formats and for variety of audiences

Contributing to Research Knowledge What’s new? Increased work across government in Ontario and public sector partners in Canada to advance evidence-based approaches to education Recognized internationally as a place to watch for combination of research knowledge and education innovation Ongoing Contributions to speaking engagements, workshops, seminars, conferences and events Research, evaluation and data input to Ministry documents and reports Ministry presentations and papers at research conferences, including joint presentations with researchers and educators Participation in international benchmarking and exchanges Involvement in pan-Canadian discussions about research and data agendas across provincial governments

Thank You!