Putting Data Into Action

Last conducted in 2022, the student school climate survey results were used to help schools better understand and address issues, including bullying, safety, mental health and well-being.

At the school-level, the student school climate survey results have been used to:

• Deepen understanding of school climate conditions (such as perceptions of bullying, safety at school, and engagement)
• Identify strengths and areas in need of support
• Guide school improvement planning with a focus on: 
  • bullying prevention and intervention plans
  • school-level action plans for student mental health and well-being
• Reconnect with school communities following COVID-19 
• Better inform parents/caregivers and staff
• Dispel myths and misconceptions about a school and the students/families they serve. These results shed light on where these misconceptions are and where priorities are now. 
• Engage staff, students, parents and school councils in identifying next steps and initiatives in school improvement planning
• Implement programs like The Third Path (a relationship-based approach to student well-being and achievement) and anti-bullying programs
• Allow school staff to dig deeper and explore areas of strength and need to get a better understanding of some of the results using focus groups (e.g., with students, staff, or parents/caregivers)
• Increase representation of minoritized and marginalized students through student leadership councils and associations, and promote recognition of diversity
• Establish Safe Schools committees 
• Incorporate educational practices (e.g., Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, Universal Design for Learning, Differentiated Instruction) in the classroom.

At the District-level, the student results have also been used to:

• Support the development of OCDSB plans to improve student achievement and well-being
• Support the development of a new Strategic Plan (2023-2027) and Mental Health Strategy (in-progress).

The information gathered in our 2019-2020 student survey influenced and informed a number of decisions at the OCDSB, which had a direct impact on our schools and how we approach student learning, achievement and well-being. 

Focus on learning, achievement and supports for students, families and staff

• Identification of achievement gaps for several identity groups
• Establishment of Student Achievement Through Equity (SATE) Inquiry, which aims to reduce barriers, overcome emotional and psychological hurdles, and create the right learning conditions in priority schools
• Creation of OCDSB Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department, which focuses on improving services to families and community partners
• Establishment of identity-based support services, including Black graduation Coaches and a Jewish equity coach
• Establishment of Office of the Human Rights and Equity Advisor
• Expansion of Indigenous Education team 
• Increase of translation and interpretation services to support parent involvement
• Establishment of connection with employee affinity groups
• Parent Academy, Speaker Series and Conferences, which include workshops and events to help families stay engaged with their childs’ academic and social success

Training and professional development

• Creation of Anti-Hate Toolkit to support staff in addressing hate and discrimination
• Professional learning opportunities for educators on equity, antisemitism and human rights
• Trauma-informed education training

Policy creation

• New Human Rights Policy 
• New Equitable Recruitment, Hiring, Promotion Policy
• New Equitable Mental Health Strategy (in-progress)
• Emphasis on equity considerations to policy review process 
• Development of the Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Roadmap, 2020-2023 
• Support the development of a new Strategic Plan (2023-2027)