Sylvie Paillard
[email protected]
Students aren't the only ones who get tested in the school district.
The Howe Sound School District will undergo a district review during the week of March 7. It's the second review undertaken in the district since the Ministry of Education established the practice in 2001.
Reviews are designed to provide feedback and recommendations to the district, the ministry and the public regarding the school district's work in improving student achievement.
The reviews focus on 10 key areas related to school and district improvement, and up to 20 districts are reviewed annually. A team chaired by a superintendent and composed of educators, parents and ministry staff will look at school achievement data and accountability contracts, and school plans to improve student achievement. The team then makes recommendations to the board and to the minister about improving student achievement and identifies promising practices that assist efforts to improve student achievement.
In 2003 a similar team commended the district for its "on-going leadership" in the successful initiatives that resulted in improved achievement among at-risk-learners. It was also applauded for the introduction of an outreach program, an international program and partnerships with the community to develop such groups as the breakfast and foundations programs.Among its recommendations, the team said that the district should set more focused goals and that secondary schools incorporate principal-teacher teams to encourage better student achievement. The district was also encouraged to work with Aboriginal communities to develop a cohesive strategy for student improvement.
"The district is well poised to make significant improvements in the achievement of all their students," states the report. "The dedication, commitment, and professionalism of the leadership team, teachers, and support staff are commendable. The positive involvement of parents and community members is a strength of this district. The strong support of the Board of School Trustees was evident throughout the review process."
The review team this year includes Candice Morgan, superintendent of the Qualicum district, Allison Flater, a parent representative, Judy Arnold, director of accountability from the Ministry of Education, Michael Kee, vice-principal of Seycove Secondary Community School, Karen Nelson, assistant superintendent for the Fraser- Cascade district, Mary-Anne Smirle, principal of Peachland Elementary and Terry Taylor, a teacher and counsellor in the Nelson district.
"Looks like a very competent and professional group," said Howe Sound superintendent Rick Erickson. "We're looking forward to their observations and recommendations."
