November 19, 2014 6:30p.m. Brampton Room - November 19, 2014.pdf · 2014-11-14 · separately for Grades 3-6 and for Grades 7-10 teachers, who engage in purposeful tasks and discussions

Peel District • School Board ...._,

AGENDA

Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee

November 19, 2014 6:30p.m.

Brampton Room

PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee

Agenda November 19, 2014 - 6:30 p.m.

Open Session

1. Call to Order Approval of Agenda

2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

3. Minutes

November 19, 2014

3.1 Minutes of Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee Meeting held on 2014-10-15

4. Chair•s Request for Written Questions from Committee Members

5. Notices of Motion and Petitions

6. Special Section for Receipt

6.1 Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder- November, 2014

7. Delegations

8. Old Business

9. New Business

1 0. Reports from Officials and Staff

10.1 21st Century Teaching and Learning Update

10.2 Teaching & Learning in a Digital World: Peel's Professional Development Summer Conference

10.3 Safe Schools: Fresh Start Programs Update

1 0.4 Supporting At-Risk Students with 21st Century Technology

10.5 Report of the Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) Committee

11. Communications - For Action or Receipt

12. Special Section for Receipt

13. Reports from Representatives on Councils/Associations

14. Questions asked of and by Committee Members

15. Public Question Period

16. Further Business

17. Adjournment

October 15, 2014 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee:nf

3.1

PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Minutes of a meeting of the Instructional Programs I Curriculum Committee of the Peel District School Board, held in the Brampton Room, the H. J. A. Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 18:00 hours.

Members present:

Rick Williams (Chair) Beryl Ford David Green Sue Lawton Jagdeep Mann

Member absent: (apologies received)

Suzanne Nurse

Also present:

Simone Johnson, PPVPA

Administration:

Trustee also present:

Jeff White

Jeff deFreitas, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services (Executive Member)

Scott Moreash, Associate Director, Instructional Support Services Wendy Dowling, Superintendent of Education, Early Years

Nicole Fernandes, Board Reporter

1. Approval of Agenda

IP-49, moved by Jeff White, that the agenda be approved.

2. Conflict of Interest

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

. ..... .... .. .. carried

3. Minutes of the Instructional Programs I Curriculum Committee Meeting, September 17, 2014

IP-50, moved by David Green, that the Minutes of the Instructional Programs I Curriculum Committee Meeting, held September 17, 2014, be approved.

.. .. .......... carried

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4. Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder- October 2014

IP-51, moved by Sue Lawton, that the report re Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder- October 2014, be received.

. ........ .. .. . carried

5. Instructional Coaches - A Model for Supporting Schools

Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services, Jeff de Freitas, reported that, since Fall 2012, the administration has been working on reviewing and revising the instructional support model provided to schools. He noted that 66 K-Grade 12 Instructional Coaches have been newly hired in 2014 to support teachers in schools, and will work in groups of approximately five coaches per superintendency. Superintendent deFreitas introduced School Effectiveness Leaders, David Jack and Jill Ott, who provided further information on the model.

David Jack indicated that ongoing professional development training will guide the work of the coaches, and help to better understand how schools can improve student achievement. Instructional Coaches, Mary Neely, Auni Boghossian, and Anne Chirakal, described their work with teachers in the classroom, including learning from exemplary practices, and providing teachers with tools to support them in meeting their goals. They explained that their work also facilitates teachers working together on instructional strategies, thereby, helping to build capacity in schools. Jill Ott reported that the role of the instructional coach is evolving, and she highlighted the ways in which instructional coaches will help, including: kindle passion for learning; support teachers in engaging their students; create growth mind sets; strengthen pedagogy; supporting educational leadership to increase student achievement.

IP-52, moved by Jagdeep Mann, that the oral report on Instructional Coaches- A Model for Supporting Schools, be received.

. .. .. ... ...... carried

6. Reports on Student Achievement on Provincial Assessments 2013-2014

Chief of Research and Accountability, Paul Favaro, stated that the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) provincial assessments are a direct measure of the Ontario curriculum, with students performing a wide variety of tasks in reading, writing, and mathematics. He noted that these assessments are one component of student assessment in schools.

Reviewing EQAO results for primary and junior divisions, Paul Favaro noted that, for the past 15 years, Peel students have scored within 2% of the provincial average for writing, and results for reading have been steadily improving. Highlighting the trend over five years, he stated that Grade 3 reading results have increased by 12%, and writing by 8%, while mathematics results decreased by 2%. The trend for Grade 6 results were: increase in reading by 9%; increase in writing by 8%; decrease in mathematics by 5%. Paul Favaro stated that the decrease in mathematics results is a provincial issue as well. Trend results for both divisions by gender, and for English Language Learners, Special Education students, and French Immersion students were reviewed.


6. Reports on Student Achievement on Provincial Assessments 2013-2014 (Continued)

In response to a trustee's question about investigating contributory factors to the decline in mathematics results, Superintendent deFreitas referred to the Board's comprehensive numeracy strategy, EngageMath, in addition to professional.learning networks. He noted that the focus in Peel is on numeracy, and that Instructional Coaches have a significant role in supporting this focus. He commented that EQAO assessments trends indicate that students appear to be having difficulty in the area of thinking in mathematics, and he advised that the Ministry is reviewing the mathematics curriculum and assessments.

With regard to Grade 9 EQAO assessment of mathematics, Paul Favaro reported that Peel results are the same as that of the Province at 85% for the academic course, but lower at 43% in applied mathematics. Trends show that this is a 1% increase over 5 years in academic mathematics and 4% increase in applied mathematics. It was noted that the gender gap, evident from the Grades 3 and 6 results, is almost closed. Trends for English Language Learners, and for Special Education students were reviewed. Paul Favaro then reported on the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSL T), and highlighted that 84% of fully participating first-time eligible students passed the test in Peel, which is 1% higher than the provincial results. Trends over five years were noted, including for English Language Learners, and for Special Education students. Paul Favaro advised that students who have written the OSSL T twice and have not succeeded, qualify to complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC). In response to a trustee's question, he noted that he did not have the statistics on the success rate in Peel for the OSSLC assessment. Another trustee, noting that Peel results are at provincial 3 average, asked about the comparison of results with that of other boards, and whether the administration has investigated strategies adopted by some other boards to achieve higher results. Superintendent de Freitas confirmed that the work of the instructional coordinators is to reach out to other school boards, and review professional practices and areas of research.

IP-53, moved by Beryl Ford, that the Reports on Student Achievement on Provincial Assessments 2013-2014, be received.

. ......... .... carried

7. Numeracy Professional Learning Institutes- Summer and Fall2014

Superintendent deFreitas spoke of the Board's focus on the numeracy strategy, and explained that one component of the strategy is providing professional learning. He reported that, during the summer, approximately 150 teachers attended the Math Camp, and approximately 100 teachers have registered to attend a Math Retreat being offered this weekend for secondary teachers and department heads.

Instructional Coordinator, Mary Fiore, noted that EngageMath is one aspect of the comprehensive numeracy strategy, and she remarked that professional learning is aimed at effecting a permanent change in thinking and behaviour. She explained the focus on reasoning and assessment, with the main goal of changing the perceptions and views on mathematics. She indicated that the Math Camp held in the summer was aimed at supporting teachers with tools to engage students in mathematics and teach the curriculum.

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7. Numeracy Professional Learning Institutes- Summer and Fall 2014 (Continued)

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Following a brief math exercise, Tina Grandy, Mathematics Resource Teacher, and Tara Beattie, Teacher at Walnut Grove Public School, spoke about their learning experience at Math Camp, including the learning goals to help participants debrief their understanding, help students to think visibly, and determine instructional next steps. Mary Fiore reported that the Math Retreat being held on October 17-18, 2014 will be attended mainly by secondary school mathematics department heads and teachers of Grades 9 and 10 applied mathematics. In response to a trustee's question, she confirmed that the Retreat is not mandatory, but the school administration is strongly encouraged to send teams of four, including an administrator. She stated that sharing of information within the school is vital to building capacity.

IP-54, moved by Sue Lawton, that the report re Numeracy Professional Learning Institutes -Summer and Fall 2014, be received.

. .... ... ... ... carried

Numeracy Networks 2014-2015- Supporting Teachers Learning Together

Jill Ott reported that the Numeracy Networks initiative involves every school in Peel, and the focus is on cross panel discussions for Grade 3 to Grade 7. She stated that the key guidelines in providing professional learning to teachers is outlined in Balanced Mathematics Instruction K-12, and the School Effectiveness Framework documents. Jill Ott noted the areas of growth, discussion, and continued growth, which will help to change student perception of mathematics. She indicated that some of the significant elements of a numeracy strategy are attitudes to mathematics and recognizing the importance of mathematics.

David Jack explained that a central aspect of the numeracy strategy is investigating the connection and impact of what students think they can do and the manner in which mathematics is taught. He stated that the Networks are the largest professional learning events held during the year, with approximately 650 teachers attending. Sessions are held separately for Grades 3-6 and for Grades 7-10 teachers, who engage in purposeful tasks and discussions on effective mathematics teaching and learning practices. The sessions are three days for Grades 3-6, and four days for Grades 7-10 for each participating teacher, and additional support is provided for priority schools, which were highlighted. Responding to a question about priority schools, David Jack advised that some higher priority schools receive direct funding from the Ministry, and are not included in this list.

IP-55, moved by Jeff White, that the oral report re Numeracy Networks 2014-2015-Supporting Teachers Learning Together, be received.

. .... ... .. .... carried


9. Question Period

There were no questions.

10. Public Question Period

There were no public questions.

11. Adjournment

IP-56, moved by David Green, that the meeting adjourn (20:10 hours).

carried

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.. .. . .. . .. .. . .. . . .. .. .. .... .. .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . Chair . . . .. . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. .. . Secretary

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PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 6.1

Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee November 19, 2014

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder -November

Recommendation

It is recommended that this communication be received.

Background

The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. Recognizing that faith is a part of the lives of many of our students, the Board committed to provide resources to help schools increase their connections to communities and better acknowledge faith and culture events of students and staff.

The Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder, November 2014 continues the monthly publication highlighting faith and culture days to celebrate and remember.

Prepared by:

Submitted by:

Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Brian Woodland, Director of Communications and Community Relations Support Services Jeff deFreitas, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services

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Celebrating Faith and Culture November 2014

DATE CELEBRATION

November Gwilatkw November 1 All Saints' Day November 1 Sarnhain November 1 Ashura November 4-22 The month of Qudrat November6 DevDiwali November6 Birth of Guru N anak November 11 Remembrance Day November 12 Birth of Baha'u'llah November 15 or 28(1) or 30 First day of Advent (Christmas

fast) November 16 Louis Riel Day November 23 - December 11 The month of Qawl

November 24 Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur November 26 Day of Covenant November 28 Ascension of 'Abdu'I-Baha November 30 First Sunday of Advent

FAITH AND CULTURE

Aboriginal Spirituality Christianity Wicca Islam Baha'i Jainism Sikhism Canada Baha'i Christianity

Aboriginal Spirituality Baha'i

Sikhism Baha'i Baha'i Christianity

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder November 2014

The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognizes special faith and culture days of our communities. November 2014 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember:

November - Gwilatkw in Aboriginal Spirituality

This season is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is a time when the earth is blanketed with the first snow and also prepares itself to be covered for the long winter months.

November 1- All Saints' Day in Christianity

All Saints' Day began as the Feast of All Martyrs on May 13, 609 A.D. All Saints' Day is a universal Christian feast that honours and remembers all Christian saints known and unknown. It is celebrated on Nov. 1 in the West. In medieval England, the festival was known as All Hallows, hence the name Halloween (All Hallows' eve) for the preceding evening- October 31. How churches observe the Feast of All Saints differs widely.

November 1 - Samhain in Wicca

Samhain (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as Halloween, is a religious holiday celebrated by the followers of the Wicca faith and celebrates the Celtic New Year. The festival traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family in love and remembrance, including ancestors.

November 3 - Ashura in Islam

This is the lOth and most sacred day in the month of Muharram, especially for followers of the Shia faith, and a day of fasting. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain (Prophet Muhammad's grandson) in 680 CE. Muslims observe 10 days of mourning from the first of the month. Ashura is also associated with the safe landing of Noah's Ark on Mount Arafat.

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November 4 to November 22- The month of Qudrat in Baha'i

In the Baha'f calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. November 4 is the beginning of Qudrat, the thirteenth month of the Baha'f calendar, signifying "power."

The Baha'f day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

November 6- Dev Diwali or Lokashah Jayanti in Hinduism and Jainism

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (first month in Hindu/J ain calendar). Tulsi Vivah (marriage of Tulsi - Mahalaxmi incarnate with Lord Shaligram- Vishnu incarnate) is celebrated on this festival. Followers of the two faiths, resolve on this day, to give up negative traits like ego, anger, greed, etc. in pursuit of spirituality. On this day, Jains remember their spiritual leaders and also commemorate the liberation of Tirthankara Mahavir by lighting lamps and reading the scriptures

November 6 - Birth of Guru Nanak in Sikhism

This day, one of the biggest celebrations in the Sikh faith, honours the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion. To celebrate, followers of Sikhism read the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, continuously from beginning to end. This is done by a team of men and women, each reading for two to three hours over 48 hours, ending early on the morning of Guru Nanak's birthday.

The gurudwaras are decorated with flowers, flags and posters depicting various aspects of Sikhism. Sikhs join together to sing, pray, offer and eat special foods like karah prashad, a sweet made from semolina, sugar and ghee (clarified butter).

November 11 - Remembrance Day in Canada

Canada honours the memory of men and women who have served our country in times of war, conflict and recent peace duties. It remembers those lost during World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War and other recent conflicts by observing a moment of silence at the 11th hour. Poppies are distributed as flowers of remembrance.

November 12- Birth of Baha'u'llah in Baha'i

The followers of Baha'f faith commemorate the Birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'f faith.

Baha'u'llclh was born in Teheran in August 1817 into a noble family. He declined the ministerial career of his father that was open to him in government and chose instead to devote his energies to a range of philanthropies which had, by the early 1840s, earned him a reputation as "Father of the Poor." Baha'u'llah founded the faith in 1852 from the roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

There are no set practices or services to commemorate the various holy days of the Baha'I faith. Different communities may organize devotional days of prayers and readings appropriate to the event.

November 15 or 28(1) or 30- First day of Advent (Christmas fast) in Christianity

Christmas or winter fast is the Lenten Season observed from Nov. 15 up to Dec. 24. The followers of the Gregorian calendar begin their fast from Dec. 1st. It is a period of fasting, praying and reflecting - in preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ and Christmas. The followers of the revised Julian calendar begin their fast from Nov. 28th and observe it over a 40 day period.

November 16 - Louis Riel Day in Aboriginal Spirituality

This day is celebrated in memory of Louis Riel, the Metis leader who helped his people form a government and become part of the newly created Dominion of Canada in 1870, and preserve Metis rights and culture. Today his name is a symbol of native independence.

November 23 to December 11 -The month of Qawl in Baha'i

In the Baha'f calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. November 23 is the beginning of Qawl, the fourteenth month of the Baha'f calendar, signifying "speech."

The Baha'f day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

November 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur in Sikhism

This day pays homage to the martyr, Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth guru, who willingly sacrificed himself for the right to practice the Sikh faith.

To celebrate this day, followers visit gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship) and observe the martyrdom of this guru with prayers, processions and kirtans (religious songs). Langar or community lunch is served, and is open to people from all walks of life and all faiths. Volunteers serve food with a spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

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November 26- Day of Covenant in Baha'i

On this day, Baha'is commemorate the establishment of the covenant that their founder, Baha'u'llah, made with his followers in order to prevent division of the faith into sects and denominations. He designated his son, 'Abdu'l-Baha, as the "center of the covenant" and Shoghi Effendi, as "the guardian" of the faith.

November 28 - Ascension of' Abdu'l-Baha in Baha'i

On this day Baha'f followers commemorate the passing of Abdul'Baha, son of the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'f Faith. He died in Haifa, Palestine in 1921.

November 30 - First Sunday of Advent in Christianity

The Western Christian church year begins with Advent which is also a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 and lasts until Christmas Eve.

Many churches include an advent wreath in their Advent services. The wreath consists of four candles (three purple and one rose) arranged in a circle of evergreen which symbolizes eternal life. The candles are lit progressively as follows:

• First Sunday: one purple candle • Second Sunday: two purple candles • Third Sunday: two purple candles and the rose candle • Fourth Sunday: all four candles

The rose candle is also called the "Joy" candle and it comes out of the history of Advent. The Advent fast was broken on the third Sunday in anticipation of the great event to come. Often a fifth white candle is placed in the center of the circle. This is the Christ Candle, symbolizing Christ's birth, and it is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school

If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions:

- Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar -Have your principal announce the day over the PA system -Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days

- Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter - Include information on your school website -Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days - Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this

day with students - Have class discussions about these days - Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how

they celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students.

-Have parents offer a cultural session

Questions?

If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Coordinator at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her varsha.naik @peelsb. com

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21st Century Teaching and Learning Update

Recommendation:

It is recommended that this oral report be received.

Background:

Overview of 21St Century Teaching and Learning and a sampling of the types of professional development we are designing for the Board.

We will showcase the soon to be published Grade 6 to 8 Math iTunesU resources created by middle school teachers through support from Apple Canada.

Prepared by:

Hazel Mason, Superintendent of Education Jan Courtin, Superintendent of Education Matthew Oldridge, Math Resource Teacher

Submitted by:

Jeff deFreitas, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services

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PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 10.2 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee November 19, 2014

Teaching and Learning in a Digital World: Peel's Professional Development Summer Conference

Recommendation


Background

This report provides an overview of the summer Teaching and Learning in a Digital World Conference (#TLDW). This professional learning opportunity supported over 700 teachers in expanding their understanding of the possibilities that modern technologies provide for teaching and learning.

The report will include an overview of the conference with some hands-on activities that highlight particular learning opportunities from the conference.

Prepared by:

David Del Gobbo, Teacher: Stephen Lewis Secondary School Patrick McQuade, Coordinator: Instructional Technology Cameron Watts, Teacher: Meadowvale Secondary School Tina Zita, Instructional Technology Resource Teacher

Submitted by:

Jeff defreitas, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services

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This will be an oral report covering the topics included below:

11 ••• where imaginations play, learning happens.~~

(John Seely Brown and Douglas Thomas)

Jim Knight et al in the white paper 'Technology, Coaching, and Community: Power Partners for Improved Professional Development in Primary and Secondary Education' quotes the National Education Plan: II Technology is at the core of virtually evety aspect of our daily lives and work, and we must leverage it to provide engaging and powerful/earning experiences and content, as well as resources and assessments that measure student achievement in more complete, authentic, and meaningful ways" (p. 1 ).

Peel educators are eager to integrate technology into their teaching and learning practices so as to better empower 21st Century learners. As such, they actively seek out professional development opportunities to expand their understanding of how technology can be leveraged to engage their students.

One popular professional development opportunity is the Peel District School Board's annual Teaching and Learning in a Digital World Conference (#TLDW Conference). Held in August the 2014 Conference included over 700 attendees who came together for two days of learning. The excitement and learning that occurred during the #TLDW Conference has been archived here:

Day 1: https://storify.com/misszita/tldwpeel-day-1 Day 2: https://storitv.com/misszita/tldwpeel-day-2

It is evident from the online presence and sharing that teachers enjoyed the conference and learned a lot about leveraging modern technologies for teaching and learning purposes.

It is transforming how we traditionally see technology in the classroom and it is bringing us to a better understanding of what John Seely Brown and Douglas Thomas call a New Culture of Learning where a 'massive information network' accessible 24 hours a day collides within an environment where students are encouraged to create and explore.

As we continue to create and produce within our learning environment we move closer to the ideal of technology as a tool like Chris Lehman discusses: "Technology should be like oxygen: ubiquitous, necessaty, and invisible. II

References

Beglau, Monica, Jana Craig Hare, Les Foltos, Kara Gann, Jayne James, Holly Jobes, Jim Knight, and Ben Smith. "ISTE Whitepaper." Technology, Coaching, and Community Power Partners for Improved Professional Development in Primary and Secondary Education June 2011: 1-20. Print.

Thomas, Douglas, and John Seely Brown. A new culture of learning: cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, Ky.: CreateSpace?], 2011. Print.



Safe Schools: Fresh Start programs for Expelled and Suspended elementary and secondary children and -· youth

Recommendation


Background In June 2007, Bill212 "Safe School Act "legislation was implemented in Ontario School Boards. This legislations required Boards of Education in February 2007 to provide programs and services for students' suspended from school for six to 20 days and expelled students.

The P.D.S.B. opened suspension and expulsion sites and the locations to date are as follows: Elementary:-

• Adult Education Centre- Elm Drive, Mississauga • Adult Education Centre - 7700 Hurontario Street, Brampton

Secondary: • Adult Education Centre- Elm Drive, Mississauga • Adult Education Centre- 7700 Hurontario Street, Brampton • Adult Education Centre - Kings Cross, Brampton • Loafer's Lake Recreation Centre- Kennedy and Sandalwood Parkway,

Brampton (opened September 2014} Expulsion sties:

Secondary: • Adult Education Centre - Elm Drive, Mississauga • Peel Alternative School-North, Bartley Bull, Brampton.

Expelled elementary students, few in numbers, are serviced in the elementary suspension sites.

Over the past few years, the P.D.S.B. has noted a reduction in suspensions and expulsions. Many interventions, for all students in our elementary and secondary schools, have contributed to this reduction including: Student Success/Learning to 18, Climate for Learning and Working, Character Education, Bullying Prevention and Intervention, Mental Health and Wellness programs to name just a few.

This oral report provides an overview of trending data and proactive Fresh Start initiatives to prevent suspensions and expulsions.

Prepared by:

Sharon Stevens-Lay, Principal, Alternative Programs Greg Pearson, Vice Principal, Peel Alternative School

Submitted by:

Carol Speers, Superintendent of Education - Alternative Programs

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Supporting the Teaching and Learning for "at risk students" with 21st Century Technology

Recommendation


Background In the Spring of 2014, Samsung announced a million dollar grant "Solve for Tomorrow Granf' to forty winners of Canada's Outstanding Principals for 2014 (COPS 2014). The COPS program is sponsored by The Learning Partnership. Peel Alternative Programs dedicated this funding to our two Senior Elementary Alternative Programs (SEAP) located in Mississauga and Brampton. The SEAP program supports our most at risk students in grade 7 and 8 in the Peel District School Board.

In addition, The Learning Partnership and Samsung are conducting an extensive research project regarding the "Impact of Integrating Technology in the Classroom: A Canada-Wide Study of Students, Parents, Teachers, and Principals." The forty Boards in Canada awarded the Samsung grant are involved in this research.

In consultation with Samsung and the P.D.S.B. Learning Technologies Support Staff (L TSS) the $20,000 "Solve for Tomorrow Grant" has provided Samsung mobile devices to every student and staff member in our grade 7 and 8 SEAP program.

This oral report provides an overview of this unique Samsung Technology Grant in the Senior Elementary Alternative Programs.

Prepared by:

Sharon Stevens-Lay, Principal, Alternative Programs Greg Pearson, Vice Principal, Peel Alternative School

Submitted by:

Carol Speers, Superintendent of Education -Alternative Programs

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Peel District School Board 10.5 Instructional Programs & Curriculum Committee November 19, 2014

Report of the Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) Committee

Recommendations

It is recommended that this report be received.

Background

The Regional Learning Choices Program (RLCP) Committee met on October 21, 2014. For information, the following is a summary of discussions and/or recommendations stemming from this committee.

• The Committee suggested that portable use as it relates to space issues for Regional Learning Choices Programs should be reviewed with members of the Executive Committee and eventually with the Board of Trustees.

• The Committee discussed the wording of the Operating Procedure as it relates to 23 admission of non-residents of Peel. A minor wording change was made.

• The Committee will have further discussion about admission of students from one district school board's International Baccalaureate program to a Peel program.

• The Committee reviewed placement of regional programs and SHSM programs including Dufferin-Peel programs.

• The Committee discussed the admission process for current Grade 7 and Grade 8 MYP students at W. G. Davis. These two groups of students are now grandfathered and will have automatic entrance into Grade 9 at their home IB school. All future MYP students, including those in Grade 6 at W. G. Davis, must apply through the regular process.

Prepared by:

Ina Fournier, Co-Chair, Regional Learning Choices Programs Committee

Submitted by:

Jeff DeFreitas, Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Support Services

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Documents

November 19, 2014 6:30p.m. Brampton Room - November 19, 2014.pdf · 2014-11-14 · separately for Grades 3-6 and for Grades 7-10 teachers, who engage in purposeful tasks and discussions