Cecilia Oakeley is the Deputy Chief of Evaluation and Assessment for the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). She has also made an impact nationally by serving as a policy council member for the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER) and as a council advisory member for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card. After serving 41 years in the Dallas school system, she will retire in December.

Q–Tell us about your role as Deputy Chief, Evaluation & Assessment for the Dallas Independent School District.

In this role, I manage my team’s efforts to distribute local and state assessments, evaluate district programs, track campus data, manage changes in accountability, report data to agencies, ensure compliance, and provide key information for school board presentations.

Q-What is your educational background and tell us about your career progression?

I am a first-generation Mexican American graduate student, earning my Ph.D. in Educational Research from New Mexico State University.  I came to the Dallas ISD Evaluation and Assessment Department in 1983 as an entry-level program evaluator.  I have stayed with Dallas ISD in the same department for 41 years. During this time, I have evaluated district programs and worked in the Assessment Department. I also led the Office of Court Reporting and the Department of Assessment and Program Evaluation. In 2004, I was named interim to lead for all Evaluation and Assessment. In 2005, I was officially named the head of the Evaluation and Assessment Department and 20 years later, I will be handing it over to the third person to lead the department since 1971.

Q–What are some of your proudest accomplishments while working at DISD?

One accomplishment during my time is the development of the district’s own value-added model and being able to incorporate it into the achievement component of the Principal and Teacher Excellence Initiatives (PEI/TEI). Both were highly regarded accomplishments that ultimately affect our students.

Another proud moment is the evolution of my team’s forecasting Online Testing – before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.  Because of this initiative, we were able to transition smoothly during the pandemic by anticipating the constant challenges. 

Q- This will be your 41^st year working in DISD. Why have you worked at DISD for all of these years?  

I love my job!  I enjoy the work I do, my colleagues, constantly learning, and ensuring the Dallas Independent School District achieves high goals. Also, DISD is where I met my husband, a retired analyst from the district’s Information Technology Department. In addition, my two children are graduates of the district’s School for the Talented and Gifted.

Q- Can you tell us about a memorable experience you had working at Dallas ISD?

Being part of the court-ordered desegregation where I participated in providing district reports to the court and finally going to court to show that the district was no longer segregated. I was in the courtroom of Judge Barefoot Sanders! (The judge is best known for overseeing the lawsuit to desegregate the Dallas Independent School District.) Just being part of that whole court case was very exciting and impactful, and our work really helped the district to no longer be under a court order.

Q- In your 41 years in the district, what change has impacted you the most?

Women in leadership positions were once limited when I began working at DISD.  I am proud of all the district women and diverse leaders in leadership positions that reflect the communities we serve. 

Q- What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone following in your footsteps?

“Be curious, keep learning, and be passionate in your area of expertise because the educational system is constantly evolving. Understand that leadership methods will be an advantage as every day brings new opportunities and challenges and leadership qualities allow for smoother transitions. Be flexible as leadership and district policies change, and you must learn to pivot and embrace each day with excitement!  Finally, make sure you are taking care of your physical and mental health so you can continue doing this for 40+ years.