Our Vision

The Office of Research and Evaluation will conduct the most comprehensive and quality-oriented research and program evaluations.  Our primary focus will be to develop data-driven information that will be used by the School District and the City of Philadelphia to generate theory and knowledge necessary to improve programs and services for students and families served by the School District of Philadelphia.

Our Mission

 The mission of the Office of Research and Evaluation is:

• To assist in the development of grant applications 
• To evaluate all federal and state grant awards requiring an evaluation to determine compliance and effectiveness in meeting goals and objectives related to student achievement, school improvement and safety (see Program Evaluations)
• To conduct evaluations and prepare reports related to District initiatives that have been identified as priority
• To screen applications submitted by external researchers to conduct research and collect survey data in the District (see External Research Review)
• To coordinate the Research Review Committee
• To coordinate the Survey Committee
• To monitor the external evaluations of School District programs
• To provide on-going technical assistance to schools, and  regional and central office staff 

Staff

• Tonya Wolford, M.Ed., Ph.D., Director
• Gregory Benjamin, M.P.H., Ph.D., Research Associate
• Valerie Evans, Ph.D., Research Associate
• Michael Imburgia, M.A.Ed., Research Associate
• Denise Purnell-Cuff, Ed.D., Research Associate
• Katherine Stratos, M.S.S.P, Research Associate