Building Collective Efficacy: What process did your school take in developing your School Growth Plan?
Our staff and school community worked together to determine overaching values that served as the foundation for developing a school mission. It is the mission of Coldstream Elementary that students will achieve and celebrate successful learning in a supportive environment which promotes social and environmental responsibility.
Evidence-Informed: What data is driving your goal(s)?
Coldstream Elementary is a school that embraces a safe, respectful and welcoming learning environment for all students, staff, and parents. Analysis of our school data helped to identify key areas for us to focus on. These key areas formed our three school goals. Some of the data that we used was from: Street Data at the school level (collected in a variety of ways from students, families, staff and community partners such as UBCO), School District local assessments, and Provincial Assessments. Some of the specific data sources we included in our analysis were the annual Student Learning Survey, Preventure Survey, Open Parachute survey & feedback from students and staff, local academic assessments, school-based team discussions, and anecdotal evidence from staff.
Student Success
keyboard_arrow_downStudent Success To provide many pathways for all students to pursue and achieve desired outcomes.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
District Strategic Plan
Actions: What will we do to support all learners?
Cross-curricular programming to incorporate literacy and numeracy in more areas of the day Small group instruction, differentiated and personalized instruction Hands-on learning, play-based learning and outdoor learning opportunities for all grades, Project-based learning, hands-on, multidisciplinary, real-world math problem of the day Increase engagement, fluency and confidence Modernize classroom resources, instructional practices and assessments: Mathology, Adrienne Gear writing strategies, Writing Revolution Strategies, Epic books, iPad apps, UFLI, Rime Magic, decodable texts, Rhyme Magic, Heggerty, Story Ninja; Early Learning Profile, PM Benchmarks, BC Ministry of Education and Child Care Learning Pathways, locally developed Numeracy Screeners, Foundation Skills Assessments, Street Data Staff commitment toward this goal through professional development, collaboration and prompt communication with families Enhance relationships with families as members of the learning team
Reflections & Results:
Engaging in a continous improvement process by reviewing data regularly, collaborating with each other as staff members, engaging families and supporting students in their growth in a variety of ways are critical steps in moving the school forward in this goal.
Next Steps:
We will continue to monitor and analyse a variety of data to be responsive to student needs as we support the learning journey.
Leadership Excellence
keyboard_arrow_downTo empower all staff to contribute to organizational excellence in the service of student success.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
District Strategic Plan
Actions: What will we do to support all learners?
Provide engaging, personalized learning opportunities, including outdoor education Shared, supportive problem-solving language across the school – SEL curriculum, Zones of Regulation, WITS, Mindup Focus on the prevention of problems by using school-wide efforts to build community, communicate, and consistently reinforce clear expectations of acceptable conduct Teach, model, and encourage socially responsible behaviours and to solve problems in peaceful ways, valuing diversity and human rights Respond to incidents in a fair and reasonable manner with the intention of repairing harm, strengthening relationships and restoring a sense of belonging (ex. Restitution) Provide opportunities for self-reflection and leadership Enhance mental health and wellness services for students and staff Meet students where they’re at; taking the time to develop understanding of their SEL level; class meetings, check-ins; student updates at staff meetings Positive classroom routines, management Professional learning for staff (ex. EASE training, Trauma-Informed Practice, Restitution) Enhance and embed student voice and agency as a normal practice (ie. not just for speical projects) Implement Open Parachute as an intructional enhancement Modernize learning enviornments to reflect the needs of learners and staff (ex. calm, clean, orderly spaces) Ensure our school technology plan is updated
Reflections & Results:
Using a variety of data to ensure sound decision-making and provide responsive instruction. Student Learning Surveys and school-wide street data have been instrumental in working toward improvement in this goal.
Next Steps:
Increase student leadership in developing strategies to support this goal.
Community Connections
keyboard_arrow_downTo build strong relationships amongst all community members in the service of student success.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
District Strategic Plan
Actions: What will we do to support all learners?
Two years ago, we started a journey to call attention to the values that are woven into the identity of our school. We gave ideas about what is important to our school and to the place where we are, and shared ideas about what we want to represent as stewards of this community. Throughout this journey of exploring our identity, we came to understand that we are honored to be deeply rooted in and guided by the Food Chiefs. We commissioned Quintessa Louis, granddaughter of Allan Louis, to help capture our identity in a visual form. We held a celebration to unveil and showcase the art that Quintess created and while she was not able to attend, we were grateful that her grandfather and council member, Allan Louis, was there to participate in the celebration. Elder Jack Spotted Eagle opened the celebration with a blessing. Our staff has embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth to develop a deeper understanding of syilx culture and build positive relationships. Our students have engaged in learning more about the land we are grateful to live on by deepening their connections and understandings of the Four Food Chiefs (classroom lessons, connecting with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous Education teachers and Support Workers).
Reflections & Results:
We have only just touched the surface of this goal as a school and as individuals. Through the learning so far, we have found inspiration and a willingness to continue to engage in learning and strengthening our commitment toward authentic actions of Truth and Reconciliation.
Next Steps:
This goal is part of a bigger picture that is outside of ourselves. It will take time and we have learned that we must be patient and grateful as we continue in this work and learning.