HDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2024: Equity and Inclusion

The second of five videos showing how the HDSB is fulfilling the obligations of the areas of focus within the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. In this video, we highlight Equity and Inclusion.


Transcript:

The Equity and Inclusion area of focus in our 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan champions supportive and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to positive opportunities and outcomes for every student. The work of Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion lives as a distinct area of commitment for the Halton District School Board. Equally as important, is how it also lives in all other areas of the Multi-Year plan.

We know that student learning and achievement relies on equitable access to programs and opportunities. We also acknowledge students cannot truly be well, or experience a strong sense of belonging and positive mental health, if we don’t address discrimination and systemic barriers.

The Halton District School Board takes action for equity and inclusive practices in many ways. Elementary and secondary educators are supported in the implementation of culturally responsive and relevant instruction and anti-oppressive practices. Professional learning opportunities help educators take a critical look at their programs to ensure all students see themselves reflected in their learning, that all identities are affirmed, and that high academic expectations are held for all.

Human Rights and Equity leaders at each school engage in additional learning to inform and set direction and implement action for change. The HDSB Welcome Centre provides newcomer students with a conduit to their new school communities so they can continue to thrive and realize their full potential. School groups and clubs such as GSAs, Black Student Excellence and Social Justice groups are formed to provide leadership, voice and community.

We know from our students and families that there is still much to do. One of the goals in the Multi-Year Plan is to identify and eliminate racism and discriminatory barriers in the board. We invite you to ask your schools about these efforts.

Implementation of the Discriminatory and Harmful Language protocol is well underway in each school as we address and take seriously the impact of words on students, staff and on school climate.

A critical aspect of our work is to acknowledge and respond to the disproportionate representation of student identities in all areas of achievement. Student voice is utilized to inform our work. The Student Census data further highlights the work needed to address disproportionality. In alignment with the Ministry of Education’s direction to remove Academic and Applied courses in Grade 9, we are working together to implement de-streaming in our secondary schools. However, we know that streaming can begin in the earliest years of school and therefore are committed to learning how to work from a strength-based and anti-biased framework across all grades and subject areas.

Driven by truth, respect and commitment to students and families, the HDSB stands behind and upholds the Equity and Inclusion area of commitment in the 2020-2024 Multi-Year Plan.