ABSTRACT
The Scarborough Board Research Unit is an internal evaluation unit that loosely operates on a decision-oriented research model presented by Cooley and Bickel (1986) — that is, educational research that is designed to be directly relevant to the current information requirements of those who are shaping educational policy or managing educational systems. In this role, we have the ongoing responsibility for research and evaluation in the organization and are an integral part of the management activity within the district. Although the Research Unit has historically operated in a somewhat isolated capacity, the last decade has seen a decided shift in focus away from a detached research stance towards an emphasis on forming partnerships with educators and providing high-quality information to contribute to institutional decision making and enhance organizational learning. This philosophy has brought us into the mainstream of cutting-edge initiatives and controversial decisions. As Love (1991) pointed out:
effective internal evaluation requires forging a common mission and positive relationship between managers and evaluators…evaluators must forge strong bonds with managers.
