1. Research Use by Leaders in Canadian Secondary Schools Using interventions to increase the mobilization of knowledge in schools Principal Investigators: Ben Levin & Creso Sá Presenters: Amanda Cooper & Kathy Thompson ~Ontario Education Research Symposium, February 17-19, 2010~

2. Research Questions How do secondary school leaders learn about research findings? In what ways do the school systems support the use of research? What knowledge do educational leaders have about some important research findings related to improving secondary schools? What interventions might improve the availability and use of research in schools?

3. The Survey: Two Parts Knowledge Claims Level of agreement with the claim Source of information that supports your knowledge of this statement Importance of the source of information in your acceptance of this particular claim Research Culture Research Use Research focused events School practices Research Activities: Events, Resources, Networking Report & Analyze data sources 11 school districts 188 responses Sample

4. Findings on Research Culture 1.Increasing profile of research in education ▫85% agree that the important role of research is evident within their district 2.Reported district capacity and support ▫Research-related PD (85%) ▫Data incorporated in school, district planning (78%) ▫Research articles circulated (75%) ▫Time and support for research 3.Actual research use remains modest ▫Only a quarter to a third report significant time spent on research related reading, events or networking

5. Findings on Knowledge Claims Of 6 well verified knowledge claims about secondary school student success, there was: ▫Agreement on 3 knowledge claims  Student disengagement (94% agreement)  Similar demographics, different outcomes (79% agreement)  Quality of teaching and learning (87% agreement) ▫ Disagreement on 3 knowledge claims:  Failing a course affects drop out (63% agree; 24% disagree)  Grades predict post-secondary success (39% agree; 36% disagree)  Students believe that school prepares them (37% agree; 36% disagree)

6. Sources of Knowledge Reported Across all Claims PD events, Seminars, Conferences Research Reports Data Collected in your School District Colleagues, Professional networks Personal Experience

7. Implications for Districts Providing supports for research use ▫Formal research capacity ▫Research related PD ▫Formal roles throughout the system Embedding research in processes and systems ▫Placing research on meeting agendas ▫Structured time to discuss research & link to strategic plans More partnerships with third parties ▫Universities, research providers Communicate research to the community ▫Portals, shared spaces, data access

8. Thank You! www.oise.utoronto.ca/rspe