Research Program

Research Framework

At EQAO, we believe discussions about education quality need to be evidence-informed and grounded in research. EQAO recognizes the need for a continued focus on research to examine effective high-quality educational experiences that support student achievement at the individual, classroom, school and system levels—that is why EQAO has established the #DataInAction Research Framework.

The main objective of our #DataInAction research framework is to ensure our data are used for their primary purpose—improved student learning. This is why we are currently accepting research proposals that leverage our data or seek to collaborate with the agency with the goal of furthering student achievement.

#DataInAction Research Framework

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#DataInAction 2.0: Research Priorities and Approaches

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EQAO Statistical Standards

EQAO aligns with Statistics Canada in recognizing “statistical standards” as a set of rules that describe how data are collected and how statistics and results are produced and shared. Statistical standards are used to provide data insights on specific topics and the learning experiences of groups of students. The standards also ensure consistency in data quality over time.

EQAO Statistical Standards

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EQAO’s Data Quality Framework

EQAO’s Data Quality Framework provides systematic and methodological rigour to the agency’s data quality validation processes. EQAO’s data quality processes use clearly defined guidelines, business rules, methodologies and protocols to ensure that data quality is maintained at all stages, including for the collection, processing and analyzing of educational data, and for the reporting and sharing of results.

EQAO’s Data Quality Framework

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Research Partners

EQAO is pleased to partner with the following organizations:

• Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
• The Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University
• SickKids, The Hospital for Sick Children
• Unity Health Toronto
• Toronto Metropolitan University

EQAO Data Portal Access

EQAO offers three distinct pathways for accessing aggregate and/or individual student assessment data. Please review the options below to find the one that best meets your data requirements.

Option 1: Open Agency Data Repository

Aggregate data files that correspond to the Public Interactive Dashboards are available through the EQAO’s Open Agency Data Repository. Please note that these files are limited to the data presented within the publicly available dashboards.

Open Agency Data Repository

Option 2: Data Portal Requests

Aggregate and/or elemental data files are accessible via the EQAO Data Portal. Additional data can be requested by completing the application form below and sending it to [email protected].

• After your application has been reviewed, you will receive an e-mail with further instructions. Please be aware that EQAO reserves the right to deny applications that do not align with our data-sharing agreements.

Data Portal Request Application

Option 3: Freedom of Information Request

Data that is not available in the files provided through the EQAO Data Portal (Options 1 or 2) may be obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request process. Once the FOI data request application has been assessed by EQAO, you will receive a response with EQAO’s decision. If the request is accepted, the response may include the estimated cost for fulfilling the request when costs are incurred.

FOI Access or Correction Request Form

Please send the completed FOI form to the attention of :

Director of Corporate and Public Affairs
Education Quality and Accountability Office
Suite 1200, 2 Carlton Street
Toronto ON  M5B 2M9