Research Requests

Research at SMCDSB

Thank you for your interest in including Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s community in your research. The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board supports the use of research and innovation to enhance decision-making and practice in support of our Board’s strategic priorities for improving student learning and achievement.

External Research Application Deadlines

The SMCDSB Research Advisory Committee meets three times per school year. For planning purposes, please refer to the following table for submission deadlines and review periods. Note that, as a general rule, research may not be conducted during the months of May, June, or the first two weeks of September.
Submission Deadline Research Advisory Committee Review  Earliest Potential Start 
September 30th 
 October November
December 31st  
 January February
April 30th  
 May

Third week of September  

(The following school year)
 

Submission Process


  1. Complete the online application in full: SMCDSB Research Application

  2. Upload all of the applicable supporting documents as part of the online  application:

    1. Recruitment Materials (example: information letters, verbal scripts, screening tools, etc.)

    2. Consent Form(s)

    3. Data Collection Instruments (example: questionnaires, interview guides, etc.)

    4. Vulnerable Sector Checks (If researchers will be working directly with students). These need to be presented in person with photo identification to Human Resources at 46 Alliance Blvd, Barrie, who provide verification and retain a copy for our records

    5. Any other supporting documentation (example: Research Ethics Board approval, study information, letters of support, etc.)


 

Overview of Review Process

  1. Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Research Advisory Committee, which considers the following:

    1. The SMCDSB Research Application is complete and all supporting documents are provided

    2. The research complies with the:

      1. Ontario Education Act

      2. Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

      3. Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans

      4. Other Policy and Legislation, as is applicable (Example: Personal Health Information Protection Act)

    3. Benefits to the SMCDSB Community:

      1. Research aligns with SMCDSB strategic priorities

      2. Research has a high degree of educational relevance, with direct benefits to students/school/system

      3. Research process is a meaningful experience for participants (students, parents, staff, etc.) considering the time obligation and tasks to participate

  2. Applicants are notified in writing of one of the following decisions:

    1. On Hold

      1. Research requires revision in order to be approved

    2. Approved

      1. Researcher may contact the school Principal directly to request participation

    3. Conditional Approval

      1. Researcher must comply with condition outlined in approval letter prior to contacting the school Principal to request participation

    4. Request Denied

      1. Reason(s) for request being denied will be outlined in formal letter

 

Questions

For more information, please send your inquiry to: [email protected]