Embedding data equity into practice:

How can decisions made by teachers, policymakers, and administrators be better informed by examining outcomes through an equity lens? Sponsored by the holder of the Air Canada Professorship in Anti-Racism, the event will feature presentations by senior leaders from the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) who will share their experience with the collection, analysis, and reporting of social identity data under the Anti-Racism Act (2017) and associated data standards. Learn about some of the strategies and initiatives that the school district is implementing to address barriers and biases that limit access and opportunities for students.

Speakers:

Mary Jane Farrish, Superintendent of Instruction, is a member of the OCDSB's senior staff team. She is currently responsible for the equity and anti-oppression portfolio in the District, and previously for the Safe Schools portfolio. Prior to joining the OCDSB, she held positions as a school administrator in both elementary and secondary panels, and had system level responsibility for equity and inclusive education at the Halton District School Board.

Jacqueline Lawrence is the Diversity and Equity Coordinator for the OCDSB. Her priorities include strategizing with system leaders to identify and address systemic barriers that impact accessible, equitable and inclusive learning and working spaces.  She also designs and facilitates experiential learning sessions to transform mindsets and organizational culture.

Joan Oracheski is the Manager of the Research, Evaluation & Analytics Division (READ) at the OCDSB. In this role, she leads a team of researchers to support evidence-informed decision making to improve learning conditions and outcomes for students. She has been involved in equity work for the past several years, including serving as Chair of a working group established by the Ministry of Education's Equity Secretariat in 2017-2018 to provide guidance on strategies for the collection of identity data in Ontario. Following the collection of social identity data by the District in 2019-2020, she established and continues to Chair a Technical Advisory Group comprised of community members to help guide the analysis and reporting of this information. 

Brent Smith is Acting Superintendent of Program and Learning at the OCDSB with responsibility for curriculum implementation, and assessment and evaluation, in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Prior to this appointment, he was System Principal in Program and Learning and School Effectiveness Lead, having responsibility for school improvement planning and early literacy, amongst many other areas. Prior to his work in the central office, he was a school administrator  for 15 years.