Sharing Our Stories: Where are we now?

Summer Leadership AcademyKelowna, BCAugust 2014

Essential 8: Systems Thinking and Planning on a District Scale

School District No. 57 (Prince George)Brian Pepper, Superintendent

Enrolment

• K-7 7233• 8-12 6053• Aborig. 3556• ELL 1324• Sp Ed 1282• FI K-7 695• FI 8-12 228• DL 530

A System in ActionSenior Learning Team:Putting Learners First

Our Senior Learning Team consists of representatives from across the organization

Aboriginal Education

AssistantSuperintendents

Curriculum and Instruction

Data Management

Finance

Human Resources

Student Support Services

Superintendent

Technology

StudentLearning

Our Work

• The Senior Learning Team is a think-tank with an action-oriented approach to innovation with a focus on improving student learning. Our goal is to find processes, on a systems level, to improve the life chances of each student. The SLT is tasked with challenging the status quo to move our district from good to great.

Invitation

Dream big for learners!

Catalyst for systemic change!

Change organizational culture!

• Continual feedback from students, parents, teachers, business and community provided the fuel!

It started with a RANT!!!

. . . . . that grew, through collaboration, into “possibility”

. . . . . that became a possible framework for system change

Start with “WHY”

• In a learning organization, why we undertake a project must align with a vision for learning.

• Why we undertake a project must acknowledge the vast range in vulnerability in our school district so we can better meet the needs of all learners.

• When gauging why, consider – does it improve the life chances of each student?

• Once the merits for why have been considered, then the how and the what can be determined.

Guiding thoughts

• Vision: Learning that enriches the life of each student

• Board Guiding Principle: Students have a right to have their intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs met.

• Board Guiding Principle: Employees have a right and a responsibility to explore, collaborate and develop to their potential.

• Money is not an excuse for inaction!

Elements of an Effective Learning Plan

• Focus on student learning

• Provided flexibility and choice

• Improve use of technology in the fabric of learning

• Recognized learning needs of each student

• Demanded high standards - especially of staff

Assessment For LearningThe process of collecting evidence of student learning. Assessments provide results to inform decisions. Formative assessment, serves the purpose of tracking and promoting learning along the way (assessment for learning). Assessment for learning offers the greatest promise of helping all students to succeed (helping students meet standards) Educators need to be assessment literate, understanding the principles of sound classroom assessment practice.

Data-Driven Evidence For LearningData as part of ongoing cycle of instructional improvement. The use of data to inform instruction. The use of profiles and formative assessment to provide evidence of learning. Improve staff understanding, knowledge, skills re utilization of data/evidence including:a. Using data to modify teaching and learning practiceb. Using data to answer questions about student

achievement/learningc. Teacher collaborationd. Fostering a culture of data based decision makinge. Data system utilization(AMS)

Cultural Competencies

Allows individuals (students and staff) to interact effectively (understand, communicate with) with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.

Four components: a. Awareness of one’s own cultural worldviewb. Attitude towards cultural differencesc. Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviewsd. Cross-cultural skills

Social and Emotional LearningDevelop ability for students to:1. Understand emotional needs.2. Respect self and others3. Develop cooperative relationships. Social and emotional learning enhances academic achievement, helps students develop self-management and self-control, improves relationships, reduces conflict, improves classroom management, and helps young people’s health and success at school and in life.

Poverty and Student Learning

Understand the culture of poverty. Assess vulnerability. Equip staff with interventions helpful in raising achievement for disadvantaged students:

1. Develop oral language skills.2. Understand social conventions.3. Develop respectful relationships.

Differentiation/Universal Designs for Learning

Development of flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences. Increase learning by reducing physical, cognitive, intellectual, and organizational barriers to learning – inclusion Curriculum (instructional goals, methods, materials, assessment) created to provide:a. Multiple means of representation to give learners various ways of acquiring

information and knowledgeb. Multiple means of expression to provide learners alternatives for

demonstrating what they knowc. Multiple means of engagement to tap into learners’ interests, challenge and

motivate

Enhanced Learning through Technology

Develop the processes of integrating technology into the learning environment (communication, research, graphic organizers, presentation) To enable more self-directed learning – students construct their own understanding

Supervision of Instruction, Mentorship and Training

Reinforce and enhance teaching practices that contribute to improved student learning Meaningful feedback and direction to teachers Enhance programing and teaching strategies designed to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Initiative Development

• Embedded: Budget Process, Superintendent’s Report on Achievement, District Achievement Contract

• District Principal Meetings• School Plans• Staff meeting learning focus• Professional Development

2014-15

• Key element District Strategic Planning Process

• Department Focus• 2 Principals @ .5 each to support directions

and provide “at shoulder support” to P/VP• 6 teachers @ .5 each to provide “at shoulder

support” and coordinate inservice• Inservice Focus

Make a Connection

• Given your district’s context, how might you look at one of the Essential Eight from a systems perspective?o AFLo Data-Driven Evidence for Learningo Cultural Competencieso Social and Emotional Learningo Poverty and Student Learningo Differentiation and Universal Designs for Learningo Enhancing Learning through Technologyo Supervision of Instruction and Mentorship / Training

Think. Pair. Share.

Thank You!

For more information:

Lisa Carson: lcarson@sd57.bc.caCindy Heitman: cheitman@sd57.bc.caBrian Pepper: bpepper@sd57.bc.ca