ONE and Only Me Survey

What data is DSB1 collecting?  

 

Data is being collected on a voluntary basis and is inclusive of demographic and sociographic factors. This includes subjects surrounding race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.  

 

Why is DSB1 completing this survey?  

 

As part of Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan (2017), all school boards in Ontario have been mandated by the Ministry of Education to collect and analyze voluntary demographic and perceptual data. The aim of this data collection is to “enable our school and system leaders to precisely address the barriers to student success.” 

 

Following the Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan (2017), DSB1 is committed to providing equitable learning environments to that all students can achieve personal excellence. The “ONE and Only Me” survey will allow for the DSB1 to use trends in data to more accurately allocate resources within the board.  

 

How will students complete the “ONE and Only Me” survey?  

 

A link to the survey will be emailed to families/students on November 7,2022. All students are to complete the survey by November 21, 2022. Families of students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be asked to complete the survey with their child. Students in Grades 9 to 12 will complete the survey independently during instructional time on provided technology.  The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.  

 

Who will have access to the student’s information?  

 

All responses will be stored in a secure, confidential database, and will only be accessed by authorized research staff to identify and summarize trends among DSB1 students.  

 

 

Is the completion of the “ONE and Only Me" survey mandatory? 

 

The completion of the “ONE and Only Me” survey is not mandatory and is voluntary. Although, the responses to this survey will directly affect decisions made within the board regarding strategic initiatives and resource allocations. 

 

How long will the survey take to complete?  

 

The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Thirty minutes within the school day will be allocated to allow for completion for students in Grades 9-12. 

 

Do I have to complete a survey for each of (my children)?  

 

Yes, each child will receive a copy of the student census to complete. It is important to complete for each child as it gives a more accurate representation of the student populations. Also, some answers may differ between students.  

 

Does the collection of personal information violate the human rights code or the protections of privacy?  

 

No. The collection of identity-based data is supported by Canada’s human rights legislative framework, including the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and section 15(2) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Ontario Human Rights Code permits and encourages the collection and analysis of identity data for purposes of: identifying and removing systemic barriers; preventing discrimination; and promoting equity and inclusivity. 

 

Can I view a copy of the survey before (my child) participates? 

 

Yes, a copy of the “ONE and Only Me” survey is available on the DSB1 website for review prior to completion. 

 

Why is the Student Census not anonymous? 

 

As part of Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan (2017), all school boards in Ontario have been mandated by the Ministry of Education to collect and analyze voluntary demographic and perceptual data within the next three to five years. The aim of this data collection is to “enable our school and system leaders to more precisely address the barriers to student success. For example, comparing identity-based student data with data on program enrolment, suspensions and expulsions, and graduation rates may reveal more precisely how certain groups are being disadvantaged, how to identify and remove systemic barriers to success, and accordingly, where to target our resources.” (pp. 17-18). The questions in the census are also aligned with Ontario’s Anti-racism Data Standards and the Student Census has been approved by our board’s trustees. 

 

By being able to link the Student Census information to other previously collected data, we will be to analyze the data in more meaningful ways, to see if any notable patterns or trends emerge. Based on key findings from the data, our school board will be able to identify specific areas of need where resources can be allocated and supports can be put into place.