INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS FROM LEARNING IN ACTION SHOWCASE

Forty-four B.C. school districts gathered at the second annual Learning in Action Showcase to share their innovative teaching approaches under the themes of leadership, literacy, the first 10 years, middle years to secondary, and equitable futures. Below are examples from each theme category.

Leadership: Building Capacity

As part of their Learning by Teaming project, the Abbotsford school district (SD 34) shifted its focus from teaching to learning and research. Professional learning communities, which comprise educators from each school in the district, focus on an area in their school where student achievement could be improved. Teams gather evidence and analyze data, select and implement improvement strategies and then evaluate their effect on student achievement.

Literacy: Reaching Across the Curriculum

The Burnaby school district (SD 41) is emphasizing the value of community involvement in literacy by expanding literacy support programs to all members of the community, from early learners to seniors. The district is encouraging schools to become neighbourhood hubs where students, staff, families, residents, agencies and local businesses can work together to build a strong and caring multicultural community. As a result, students reported that they are enjoying reading more, and more books and literacy resources are circulating in school and community libraries.

The First 10 Years: Windows of Opportunity

The Qualicum school district’s (SD 69) Munchkinland Discovery Centre and Construction Zone has child-sized buildings that allow children to explore and discover while playing with their parents and other children. Early childhood educators help parents and caregivers support their children through games that develop language and thinking skills and foster physical activity and social interaction.

Middle Years to Secondary: What is Really Important

Last year, the Boundary school district (SD 51) implemented a Respectful Relationships program for students in grades 7-9 in seven district schools as part of its larger effort to increase community safety and student understanding of violence surrounding sexism and racism. Sixteen adult facilitators from the community support and mentor peer trainers from grades 10-12 who deliver the program to students in lower grades. District staff are noticing that students are more sensitive and empathic towards their peers and are using the tools and positive language they learn in the program when they interact with each other.

Equitable Futures: Engaging All Learners

Together for the Children is an Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement working group in the Vernon school district (SD 22). Through a series of meetings, participants realize their level of understanding of Aboriginal teaching methods. The program is setting a course to improve Aboriginal student achievement and completion rates, while creating a sense of place and belonging for Aboriginal students in the district. The program is uniting Aboriginal students throughout the district. So far, there are 19 schools and alternative programs helping to increase Aboriginal learning through one-on-one services, curriculum support and cultural programming both in schools and on band land.

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Media contact:	Lara Perzoff Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 250 920-9040 (cell)

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