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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~.
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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~
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?
The Survey: Two Parts Sample • 11 school districts • 188 responses
Findings on Research Culture • Increasing profile of research in education • 85% agree that the important role of research is evident within their district • 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 • Actual research use remains modest • Only a quarter to a third report significant time spent on research related reading, events or networking
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)
Sources of Knowledge Reported Across all Claims PD events, Seminars, Conferences Research Reports Data Collected in your School District Colleagues , Professional networks Personal Experience
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
Thank You! www.oise.utoronto.ca/rspe