Research
Research is a major focus of Phi Delta Kappa. In fact, Phi Delta Kappa International has a number of research bulletins and publications provide research support, including free database searches of all Phi Delta Kappa publications for members.
The University of Toronto Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa supports research in its program and by liaising with key research groups. The the Association of Educational Researchers of Ontario (AERO) and the Canadian Evaluation Society, Ontario Chapter (CES) are three key organizations in the province that support classroom, school and school district research and evaluation. In addition, there are a number of research databases, research associations, action research sites and online publications that support research. We have identified a few key links below to help you locate information and establish a viable research network.
Phi Delta Kappa International also hosts the Curriculum Management Audit Center and co-ordinates the training and the conduct of audits. In Ontario, we have recently hosted Curriculum Management Audit Training sessions and a related training program called Classroom Walk-Throughs. In the near future, another related training program called Curriculum Alignment will be offered in Ontario. You may wish to read an article in Ontario Principal Council Register on Classroom Walk-Throughs. If you want further information about these local training programs, please contact fellow Kappans Bev Freedman or Clay Lafleur.
The Effective Schools Task Force Report highlighted year-round schooling in Ontario. A recent PDK publication on year-round schools (and also this link)reflects the findings of an international research study on year-round schools (and also this link). If you want further information about this research that involves year-round schools in Ontario, please contact fellow Kappan Clay Lafleur.
Bev's findings
ViewAnnual Phi Delta Kappa / Gallup Poll
For almost four decades, this public opinion poll has helped shape policy initiatives and strategies for improving public schools. Each year, educators all across the country use the results to move forward with planning and action in their communities. We encourage you to think about how the results affect your community and to disseminate the information to your colleagues.
Click here for complete poll results posted on the Phi Delta Kappa International website
Training and Partnerships with PDK
Curriculum Management Services Inc. (CMSi) has developed a series of programs designed to enhance a school district′s capacity to improve student achievement. The first of these was the Curriculum Audit, developed by Dr. Fenwick English in 1979 for use with the Columbus Public School District. The audit is based upon generally-acceptable concepts pertaining to effective instruction and curricular design and delivery.
The audit is composed of five standards. Findings are reported based on triangulated data sources and report the extent to which a district is meetings its goals and objectives. Curriculum Audits have been performed in hundreds of American school districts and in countries including Canada, Bermuda, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand. School districts contact PDK to request audits and arrangements are made through the PDK-CMSI partnership. Recently the service has been expanded to include small district and individual school audits. For more information visit curriculum.audit@pdkintl.org.
CMSi and PDK also offer the Downey Classroom Walk-Through training. This training focuses on increasing principal instructional leadership and visibility and reflective practice in schools. In addition, there are programs dealing with Curriculum Alignment, examining Student Work and 50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap.
You can visit their web site at www.curriculumsystems.com.
Be sure to visit the Resources Page which has an extensive number of research and other educational related links
