The DCDSB Student Demographic Survey was conducted between April 22-26, 2024. The survey included all students from Kindergarten - Grade 12. Parents/guardians of students in Kindergarten - Grade 8 completed the survey on behalf of their children. Students in Grade 9-12 were invited to complete the survey during class time.
The Student Demographic Survey offered students an opportunity to share information about their identities related to the protected grounds of the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). The voluntary survey collected confidential student demographic data that will enable DCDSB to better understand our students, and to inform plans to improve student achievement and student success.
The content of the survey was guided by the Anti-Racism Data Standards. The survey helps to meet our obligations related to planning and monitoring the annual Student Achievement Plan, mandated by the Ministry of Education under the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023. The survey will allow the board to identify, monitor and address:
Why did the board do a Student Demographic Survey? |
The Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario's Education Equity Action Plan, require school boards across the province to collect student identity-based data to identify barriers, gaps, and determine how to eliminate discrimination and biases in our classrooms and schools.
In order to ensure every student can reach their full potential, we need to align resources and supports with student needs. Collecting demographic data allows the board to better analyze the trends and patterns in student achievement and student success. This information enables the board to evidence-based and informed decisions about resource allocation and supports. |
How were the survey questions developed? |
The survey questions are guided by the Anti-Racism Data Standards established through the Anti-Racism Act. The questions were developed to support data collection and to ensure consistent practices across boards of education in Ontario.
The two perceptual questions about students' sense of representation were developed and are consistent with the 2021-2022 DCDSB Student Census questions, and are intended to help the board collect data to inform plans required by the Ministry of Education. |
How will the data be used? |
It is the mission of the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) to be an inclusive Catholic learning community that inspires every student to achieve their full potential through faith and education.
In order to ensure every student can reach their full potential, we need to align resources and supports with student needs. Collecting demographic data allows the board to better analyze the trends and patterns in student achievement and student success. This information will enable the board to make evidence-based and informed decisions about resource allocation and supports. |
The following response summary is separated by question. The data shared should be interpreted with the following understanding:
3,928 surveys were submitted out of 6,858 eligible secondary students, which accounts for an overall completion rate of 57% of all Grade 9-12 students in the board.
First Language Summary |
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Indigenous Students |
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Ethnic or Cultural Origins |
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Racial Group(s) |
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Religious or Spiritual Affiliation |
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Gender Identity |
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Sexual Orientation (Grade 9-12 Survey Only) |
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Disability |
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Born in Canada and Status in Canada |
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Students' Living Situation |
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Students' Perceptions of Representation |
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If you require these materials in an alternate format, please contact DCDSB Communications at Communications@dcdsb.ca.