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Researchers in Catholic Schools and Access to Data

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Researchers in Catholic Schools and Access to Data on Catholic Schools 

Rationale

This page provides information for individuals or organisations who are seeking:

  1. access to Catholic schools for the purpose of undertaking research, or
  2. access to data related to Catholic schools held by Melbourne ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Catholic Schools (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ).
It is expected that when researchers conduct research in Melbourne Catholic schools, they do so on the basis that the findings may assist to improve student outcomes and school effectiveness. Research in areas beyond the immediate concerns of schools should be conducted only when it can be demonstrated that the findings may have a potential benefit for the participants themselves.
 

The data held by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ are collected from Catholic schools for accountability requirements of governments and for the purpose of providing leadership and support services to schools. Individuals and organisations seeking access to these data collections will need to demonstrate that release of the data will have potential benefit for students in Catholic schools.

A. Seeking access to Melbourne Catholic schools for the purpose of research

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ values high quality and ethical research in Catholic school communities that:

  • supports and improves student learning, wellbeing and engagement
  • strengthens school leader, teacher and parent capability to support children and young peoples’ learning and development
  • encourages jurisdictions, government and community partners to reflect on and enhance their capability to better serve and lead schools
  • seeks to engage schools as important and respected stakeholders in educational research
  • contributes to the knowledge and capacity of the broader community to enhance the outcomes of children and young people, locally and globally.
Research that requires ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ approval  Image of stationery

Applications to conduct research in Melbourne Catholic schools are required from:

  1. all non-school based researchers
  2. school-based researchers conducting research as part of a PhD or professional doctorate
  3. all researchers wishing to conduct research that is deemed potentially sensitive.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ approval is not an endorsement of the research, but an indication to schools that the project is ethically sound and meets ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ requirements. Researchers with ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ approval can approach Melbourne Catholic schools, but it is the principal’s decision as to whether they agree for their school to participate in the research in any capacity.

Research that does NOT require ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ approval 

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ approval is not required from school staff undertaking research in their own school for the purposes of ongoing learning, reflection and improvement, and with no intention to publish the findings in the public domain

Student researchers wishing to conduct research as part of undergraduate study or postgraduate study at diploma, honours or masters level should contact research@macs.vic.edu.au for advice whether approval is required.

Process for submitting an application to conduct research in Catholic schools in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ of Melbourne:
  1. Researchers must first become familiar with the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Researcher Guidelines
  2. Researchers can also use the Researcher Checklist for Preparing an Application as a quick reference guide to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ requirements and expectations.
  3. Researchers need to register as a user of ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ' online then complete and submit an online application.
  4. The Research Register User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for using the online Research Register.
  5. Appendix 4: Applying to Conduct Research in Schools – Frequently Asked Questions.
ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ has recently upgraded to a new version of Research Register. Please contact research@macs.vic.edu.au if you are unable to login or register as a new user.

For research involving schools across multiple states and territories in Australia, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ will accept the National Application Form found on the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) . The form and relevant documentation can be emailed to research@macs.vic.edu.au.

For any enquires related to research, please contact the Strategy Implementation team on 03 9267 0228 or research@macs.vic.edu.au.


B. Seeking access to data related to Catholic schools held by Melbourne ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Catholic Schools

Requests for access to data held by Melbourne ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Catholic Schools (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ) must be made by email and should specify what data are being sought and for what purpose.

When considering requests for access to data, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ will comply with confidentiality and privacy requirements and take into account other areas of sensitivity related to Catholic schools, ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ, and the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA).

Generally, access to data is provided to:

  • government departments and Catholic agencies for the purpose of accountability and provision of services
  • Catholic schools to assist in their planning and reporting activities
  • people engaged directly in education
  • people undertaking research in education or other areas of community benefit
  • non-profit organisations involved in activities likely to provide a benefit to schools and the wider community.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ will not normally provide data to commercial or marketing organisations, including those offering educational services.

In cases where the data are already publicly available, the person making the request will be referred to that location. If some or all of the requested data are not available, or where access is denied, the person making the request will be informed. Data are provided by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ on the condition that it is used only for the purposes stated in the request for access.

All requests for access to data held by ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ must be made in writing to the Executive Director by email:

email:  psp@macs.vic.edu.au 
post:  Executive Director
Attention: Strategy Implementation team
Melbourne ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Catholic Schools (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ)
PO Box 3
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 8002