Achievement

For all students to succeed academically, we must work collectively with families, caregivers and community members to transform education. We continue to prioritize centring student agency and voice in their learning and teach skills and ways of thinking that will benefit them beyond graduation as they take their next steps on their chosen pathway.

Literacy is a fundamental human right and it is important to ensure that all students have the literacy skills they need to succeed personally and academically. The WRDSB’s Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan builds on the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read Report to help:

Build capacity amongst educators and administrators across the WRDSB
All students develop necessary language and literacy skills for academic success and well-being

Although WRDSB is focused on implementing the Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan across all grade levels, we recognize that building a strong foundation at a young age is crucial to success further in life. One of the key indicators for ensuring all students succeed academically is the number of students reading at grade level by the end of Grade 2. As such, WRDSB is using this indicator in the Board Improvement and Equity Plan. Through implementation of the Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan, we continue to build administrator and educator capacity, and implement and monitor evidence-based practices in classrooms.

The approach of the Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan is transforming how students engage with reading and writing. We provided educator training on using an early reading screener and provided professional learning for administrators and staff with a focus on structured literacy. As part of our investment in supporting the structured literacy plan, we placed Reading Resource Teachers in 37 elementary schools to support the development of early reading skills and provided professional learning for educators on the implementation of reading intervention programs (i.e. Lexia and Empower).

We continue to coordinate with families and caregivers, as well as community resources through community-based programs, such as A Region That Reads Together.

Supporting students to develop a foundational understanding of mathematics is an essential skill. The WRDSB has developed the Math Achievement Action Plan to support all students throughout the system through an approach centred on:

Learning mathematics by understanding the needs of each individual student
Using data-driven instructional and assessment practices to enhance student achievement
Actively building new knowledge and supporting interventions based on students’ experiences and prior knowledge

To support schools with the implementation of the Math Achievement Action Plan, we provided professional learning for administrators and staff, as well as supported educators to complete the Math Part 1 additional qualifications course. We are working with Grades 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 math educators to develop a tiered intervention plan.

We also know that students’ needs vary and we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-level, equitable and inclusive math instruction. We have aligned our strategies to the priority actions outlined by the Ministry of Education.

The intervention model includes:

Collaborating with classroom teacher to build capacity through coaching
Using data to inform small group (classroom embedded) targeted instruction
Providing targeted support for students in key content areas

To support this work, we have School Math Facilitators, Math Intervention Specialists and Student Intervention Coaches. We are working to build administrator and educator capacity in instructional strategies and a tiered learning approach. Through evidence-based practices and interventions, we will empower students to reach their full potential.

We know that we must take a system-wide approach to support literacy and mathematics, and there is still much work ahead that we are committed to doing as it benefits students. The results of the 2023-24 Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessment provide us with one of multiple data points to build a comprehensive understanding of student achievement and determine areas of focus. We also use the Acadience Early Screener, reading diagnostic assessments (e.g., Oral Reading Fluency, Core Phonics etc.), and math assessments (e.g., Leaps and Bounds and centrally developed diagnostics), as well as observation, conversation, and demonstrations of student learning. Together, they help us create a more fulsome picture to guide us in better supporting students to achieve their full potential.

We know that change takes time and recovery from learning loss due to the global pandemic takes time. With new learning happening across the system to shift pedagogical practices both in math and literacy, it is not unusual that an implementation dip may occur. This is consistent with research on implementing system-wide changes. While it is not something to celebrate, it indicates shifts in our practices are occuring. These shifts, we believe, will best support our students to grow, improve and succeed upon graduation. Our plans are consistent with guidance from the Ministry of Education and the Right to Read report. As we develop new learning and approaches to literacy and math, we have engaged in district-wide professional development and capacity building. We are confident that the Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan and Math Achievement Action Plan, de-streaming and single-stream courses, as well as set specific and measurable goals in our annual Board Improvement and Equity Plan, have us on the right path to build a stronger education system that works for all students.

We celebrate students’ and WRDSB graduates’ achievement and success alongside their families and communities. Built on a strong foundation of support, WRDSB students are accomplishing incredible things, including receiving the Lincoln M. Alexander Award for dedication to eliminating discrimination at school; the Past-Directors’ Bursary to support trade education; the KW Legacy Scholarship for outstanding leadership in schools and communities; Awards of Excellence for academic achievements, leadership and community volunteerism; and overall student achievement.

Read more about how we’re supporting student achievement: