Improving Student Learning

DCDSB is committed to improving student learning and to the provincial priorities of achievement of learning outcomes in core academic skills, including literacy and math. The board is also focused on preparing students for future success beyond secondary school. 

Literacy

DCDSB Goal: Improve students' literacy and achievement

  • Assess early reading skills for students in Year 2 Kindergarten to Grade 2 using a universal reading screener (Acadience) by November 15
  • Undertake coaching of Kindergarten educators in the use of UFLI (structured reading program) to provide tiered reading instruction and intervention
  • Build capacity of administrators and educators in the use of an outcomes-based model in reading intervention

  • Offer professional development and resources to Grade 9 and 10 English teachers on utilizing proven strategies to support student success and address learning gaps in reading
  • Undertake the school improvement process with school administrators using a standardized template and structure for improving student achievement

  • Through junior and intermediate literacy leads and program support teachers, provide continuing professional development opportunities in using evidence-based resources for reading intervention to support students with learning gaps in reading
  • Provide resources and professional development to support the digital literacy strand, including the appropriate and responsible use of artificial intelligence by students
  • Undertake the school improvement process with school administrators using a standardized template and structure for improving student achievement

Mathematics

DCDSB Goal: Improve students' math literacy and achievement

  • Prioritize understanding of the curriculum and the continuum of learning across grades utilizing the Scope and Sequence planning documents
  • Improve educator instructional practices through the promotion of the MathUP Classroom digital resource
  • Increase educator and administrator knowledge of the "High Impact Instructional Practices in Math" document

  • Provide professional learning for administrators to increase their math content knowledge
  • Facilitate professional learning for educators to deepen their conceptual and procedural mathematical understanding
  • Provide professional learning for administrators, educators and school communities, targeted at supporting students with special education needs in mathematics

  • Provide professional learning for educators around administering CBM Math diagnostics and implementing interventions when gaps are identified
  • Support implementation of  MathUP Student as a digital tool to support math learning
  • Analyze 2024-2025 EQAO Skills and Strand data to determine greatest areas of need for Grades 3, 6 and 9

Pathways

DCDSB Goal: Improve graduation rates and preparedness for future success

  • Expand community partnerships and opportunities for Project SEARCH student interns to support enhanced employability post-graduation
  • Support non-academic supervised learning opportunities for Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) students

  • Diversify learning opportunities with community partners and experiences connected to secondary curriculum
  • Streamline transition process from Grade 8 to Grade 9

  • Offer Dual Credit programming at all secondary schools and ensure representation of skilled trades courses
  • Continue to promote and expand board-wide participation in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
  • Continue to support Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Cooperative Education and Dual Credit programming through promotion of these specialized pathways and engagement of community partners