Sharing Our Stories: Where a re we now? Summer Leadership Academy Kelowna, BC August 2014

1. Sharing Our Stories: Where are we now? Summer Leadership AcademyKelowna, BC August 2014

2. Essential 8: Systems Thinking and Planning on a District Scale School District No. 57 (Prince George) Brian Pepper, Superintendent

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

4. A System in ActionSenior Learning Team:Putting Learners First Our Senior Learning Team consists of representatives from across the organization

5. Student Learning

6. 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.

7. Invitation Dream big for learners! Catalyst for systemic change! Change organizational culture!

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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

13. Assessment For Learning

14. Data-Driven Evidence For Learning

15. Cultural Competencies

16. Social and Emotional Learning

17. Poverty and Student Learning

18. Differentiation/Universal Designs for Learning

19. Enhanced Learning through Technology

20. Supervision of Instruction, Mentorship and Training

21. Initiative Development • Embedded: Budget Process, Superintendent’s Report on Achievement, District Achievement Contract • District Principal Meetings • School Plans • Staff meeting learning focus • Professional Development

22. 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

23. Make a Connection • Given your district’s context, how might you look at one of the Essential Eight from a systems perspective? • AFL • Data-Driven Evidence for Learning • Cultural Competencies • Social and Emotional Learning • Poverty and Student Learning • Differentiation and Universal Designs for Learning • Enhancing Learning through Technology • Supervision of Instruction and Mentorship / Training

24. Think. Pair. Share.

25. Thank You! For more information: Lisa Carson: lcarson@sd57.bc.ca Cindy Heitman: cheitman@sd57.bc.ca Brian Pepper: bpepper@sd57.bc.ca