We must provide programs and targeted support to address the specific needs of all students, particularly those who face systemic barriers to success. This may include academic support, mental health services, mentorship programs, culturally relevant resources and initiatives designed to address achievement gaps. It requires a commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of disparities.
Direction
Enhance programming and support for students: Deep learning and high expectations in a supportive environment to increase well-being and success.
Progress
The following work was undertaken as part of our 2020-2023 Roadmap:
Completed:
- Establish Indigenous Graduation Coach to support student success
- Establish Graduation Coach for Black Students
- Establish compulsory Grade 11 English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Metis and Inuit Voices in all pathways in 15 secondary schools
- Establish InSTEM program in one secondary school
- Partner with OCSB and OCT in joint support for Uquasilirijiit Elders Circle for Inuktitut language teacher accreditation
Completed:
- Review and modernize supports for English Literacy Development (ELD) program
- Establish compulsory Grade 11 English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Metis and Inuit Voices in all secondary schools
- Black Studies course developed and piloted in two secondary sites
- Develop District criteria to guide selection of culturally relevant and responsive education resources
- Establish Rainbow Bridges Program to support 2SLGBTQ+ students transitioning to secondary in three secondary and feeder schools
- Ensure all students have access to technology for learning
- Pilot destreaming grades 9 and 10 in select secondary schools (English and Math)
- Initiate Student Achievement Through Equity Inquiry (SATE) for 11 schools
- Expand InSTEM program (completed on the land)
- Expand math/beading partnerships
In progress:
- Redesign Social Studies, History and Geography, Grade 9-12 English curricula to include Indigenous, Black and minoritized, and 2SLBTQ+ histories, contemporary contributions and perspectives - 40% complete
- Establish Indigenous language credit course - 80% complete
Completed:
- Pilot gender inclusive physical education classes in two secondary sites
- Expand Black studies course and Rainbow Bridges programs
- Establish annual SATE report
In progress:
- Pilot Inuktitut Core Languages program at R.E. Wilson Public School - 20% complete
- Anishinaabek/Algonquin Elders Circle is established for language speakers accreditation through Ontario College of Teachers - 20% complete