District •...... , Peel School Board AGENDA
Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee
Wednesday, September 16, 2015 6:00p.m.
Brampton Room
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee September 16, 2015 Agenda September 16, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Open Session
1. Call to Order Approval of Agenda
2. Declaration of Conflict of Interest
3. Minutes
3.1 Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee and the Physical Planning and Building Committee Meeting held on 2015-06-10
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- September, 2015
7. Delegations
8. Old Business
9. New Business
10. Reports from Officials and Staff
1 0.1 Status Update: Health & Physical Education - Curriculum Support and Teacher Professional Learning
10.2 EngageMath - Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy Work Plan 2015-2016
10.3 EQAO Update 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 June 10, 2015 3.1 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee:lf
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, June 10, 2015 at 18:00 hours.
Members present: Trustee also present:
Rick Williams, Chair Robert Crocker Sue Lawton Kathy McDonald Harkirat Singh
Members absent: (apologies received)
Nokha Dakroub David Green
Administration:
Jeff deFreitas, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services (Executive Member) Scott Moreash, Associate Director, Instructional Support Services
Lorelei Fernandes, Board Reporter
1. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was slightly reordered.
IP-40, moved by Kathy McDonald, that the agenda be approved.
...... carried
2. Conflict of Interest
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
3. Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Instructional Programs I Curriculum Committee and the Physical Planning and Building Committee, May 5, 2015
IP-41, moved by Sue Lawton, that the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of the Instructional Programs I Curriculum Committee and the Physical Planning and Building Committee, held May 5, 2015, be approved.
...... carried June 10, 2015 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee:lf
4. Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder - June 2015
IP-42, moved by Harkirat Singh, that the report re Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder- June 2015, be received.
...... carried
5. Home Schooling
Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services, Jeff deFreitas, advised that Peel DSB has two Home Schooling Liaison Officers, Terry Gordon and Paul Jones, to support parents who choose to home school their children.
Terry Gordon circulated and reviewed a document outlining key points of Home Schooling, which included information on the Policy/Program Memorandum 131 providing direction to school boards concerning home schooling, and the Board's Curriculum and Instruction Support Services Operating Procedure for home schooling, CISS 12. He advised that a letter of intent to home school a child is submitted by the parent to the school board on an annual basis, and he reviewed a sample acknowledgement letter sent by Peel DSB to the parent, which confirms exemption from attending school. He stated that parents are responsible for the student's education when home schooled. Terry Gordon reviewed the role of the Home Schooling Liaison Officer with the community and school administration, reasons for choosing to home school, and participation in EQAO and OSSLT. He noted 2 that approximately 530 students are home schooled in Peel.
Questions of clarification were responded to regarding: Ontario Student Record retained in the school last attended; supports for parents teaching elementary curriculum are available on the Ministry of Education's website; participation in EQAO and OSSLT are not mandatory for home schooled students; safeguards for child abuse or unlawful practices; investigations and visits to the home; use of alternate curriculum or faith-based curriculum; a student can stop home schooling and move to a school at any time; tutor at home can be a parent or anyone else; a group of more than five home-schooled students is treated as a private school; grade placement guidelines for students who return to school; annual assessments and examinations. Terry Gordon clarified that students who have not achieved the Ontario Secondary School Diploma are not counted as high school graduates by the Ministry of Education.
Responding to trustees, Terry Gordon explained that the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) was established in 1928 and is run by the Ministry of Education, to provide secondary school curriculum courses for children under 18. There is a fee of$ 40 for each ILC course which contains four units. Students between ages of 18 and 20 can continue in ILC by providing an end of school year letter and most recent transcript. He added that ILC does not provide a report card and parents are asked to prepare a portfolio of the child's learning.
IP-43, moved by Sue Lawton, that the oral report re Home Schooling, be received .
...... carried June 10, 2015 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee:lf
6. Equity and Inclusive Education: Policy and Practice Update
Superintendent Jeff deFreitas introduced Hiren Mistry, Instructional Coordinator, Equity and Inclusive Education, and acknowledged his work on equity and justice through social diversity. Hiren Mistry briefly summarized his background and education. He stated that equity and inclusive education has developed considerably over the last 20 years in Peel and acknowledged the work of former Equity Officer, Mary Samuel and that the meeting is being held on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
Hiren Mistry spoke of professional learning goals which include, knowledge of human rights legislation and policy framework for education in Ontario, identifying policy trends in Peel DSB policy and practice, and focusing on understanding Equity and Inclusive Education as a foundation to success in Peel schools. Using illustrations on PowerPoint slides, Hiren Mistry explained the difference between equality and equity. He reviewed the vision and action of the Policy and how it can be achieved through parent engagement, paying attention to groups of students with varying identities, and recognizing success and gaps to enhance integration.
Hiren Mistry reviewed the list of Ministry policies and guidelines released from 1993 to 2014 and highlighted that the 2014 document, Equity and Inclusive Education- Going Deeper, includes an implementation rubric and focus areas to deepen and extend application of the principles of equity and inclusive education. He spoke of Peel DSB Policies that support equity and inclusive education, such as, Safe Schools #48, Equity and Inclusive Education #54, Human Rights #51, Voluntary Self Identification FNMI # 81, Accommodation of Staff with Disabilities #59, and Religious Accommodation COMS 8. 3 Hiren Mistry recalled Peel DSB initiatives such as The Future We Want and Journey Ahead, which support equity and inclusion and fair hiring and promotion practices. He commented on the need for clarity between human rights and religious freedoms, community engagement, data analysis of students at risk, support for school staff, and integration in the Peel system.
A trustee commented on inclusion of Black male students who might be at risk of lower achievement. Hiren Mistry stated that equity demographic data is not available to determine students at greater risk. Associate Director of Instructional Support Services, Scott Moreash, advised that a Workforce Census is scheduled for Fall 2015 and a student census may be considered in the future. Another trustee inquired whether the curriculum for diversity is established by the province. Hiren Mistry stated that recent curriculum documents indicate that any curriculum is expected to be delivered through a commitment to equity. Trustees expressed appreciation for the presentation, and they suggested that the presentation be included in professional development for principals and teachers. Hiren Mistry expressed the need for more resources to support education on equity and it was noted that the presentation will be emailed to trustees.
IP-44, moved by Sue Lawton, that the oral report re Equity and Inclusive Education: Policy and Practice Update, be received.
...... carried June 10, 2015 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee:lf
7. Information from the Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) Committee
Superintendent de Freitas advised that the report is a summary of discussions at the Regional Learning Choices Programs Committee meeting on April 20, 2015. He highlighted the addition of Operating Procedure CISS 14, which allows any Peel student currently enrolled in a Regional Learning Choices Program, to request entrance into the same program at another school location, under certain conditions. He also noted that where Advanced Placement courses do not exist, schools will be required to bring a request for approval to the RLCP Committee.
IP-45, moved by Harkirat Singh, that the report re Information from the Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) Committee, be received.
...... carried
8. Ministry Memorandum- Supporting Students in the 2014-2015 Year
Superintendent deFreitas advised that the Ministry memorandum contains instructions to school boards affected by the teachers' strike, regarding assessment, evaluation, examinations, co-operative education, Specialist High Skills Major program, and EQAO.
IP-46, moved by Kathy McDonald, that the report re Ministry Memorandum- Supporting Students in the 2014-2015 Year, be received. 4 ...... carried
9. Question Period
There were no questions.
Jeff de Freitas thanked Chair Williams for supporting him in the role of Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services, and he expressed appreciation for the support of trustees.
10. Public Question Period
There were no public questions.
11. Adjournment
IP-47, moved by Kathy McDonald, that the meeting adjourn (20:05 hours).
carried
...... Chair ...... Secretary
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 6.1 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee September 16,2015 Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder - September
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. 5
The Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder, September 2015 continues the monthly publication highlighting faith and culture days to celebrate and remember.
Prepared by: Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Co-ordinator
Submitted by: Brian Woodland, Director of Communications and Community Relations Support Services Poleen Grewal, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Support Services Celebrating Faith and Culture September 2015
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 the special faith and culture days of our communities. September 2015 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember.
September- Genuuqwilkw in Aboriginal Spirituality
Genuuqwilkw is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is the season of fall hunt for game like marmots and mountain goats.
September 1- Installation of Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism
Fifth Sikh guru Arjan Dev compiled the holy scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib and then installed it in Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in 1604. This scripture, also called Adi Granth, contains the compositions of the first five gurus, the ninth guru, fifteen bhagats (holy men or saints) and eleven bhattas (poets). This scripture is the timeless 3 guru for followers of the faith. This day is celebrated in memory of that installation.
September 4 -Sri Krishna Janmashtami in Hinduism
Sri Krishna Jayanti, also called Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, commemorates the birth of Krishna. This festival is a two-day celebration. The main celebrations in temples are held at midnight- the time of his birth on the first day. Followers fast on this day. Processions or rathyatras are taken out by devotees for communal prayers and celebrations. Pooja on the first day lead into festivities on the second including feasts and raas, a dance with two sticks in a circle.
September 5- Farvardegan in Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrians who follow the Shahenshahi calendar celebrate the 10-day Farvardingan festival honouring the dead. Followers of the faith believe that guardian angels of humans and spirits of departed souls (fravashis) return to earth during this period and accept the hospitality of relatives.
September 7 - Labour Day in Canada Labour Day acknowledges and celebrates the workers and their movement to unite for better working conditions. This day was declared a holiday by the Canadian Parliament on July 23, 1894. The celebrations include parades, marches and festivals. This solidarity movement now celebrated all over the world, originated in Toronto, Canada. Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.
September 8 to 26- the month of 'lzzat in Baha'I
In the Baha'i calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. September 8 is the beginning of 'lzzat, the tenth month of the Baha'i calendar, signifying "might."
The Baha'i day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
September 11- Nayrouz in Christianity
Christian followers of the Coptic Church celebrate New Year on this feast. It is generally celebrated in mid- September when the waters of the Nile river rise. On this feast, readings of the first of Tute are offered in churches, and Joyful hymn singing and 7 adherents remembering the martyrs is part of the feast celebration.
September 11- Paryushan Parva in Jainism
Paryushan celebrates spiritual awareness and practice. It is the most important festival for followers of Jainism. Shwetambar Jains celebrate it for eight days, and Digambar Jains celebrate it for 10 days. It is the period of repentance for the acts of the previous year and of austerities where Jains remember and practice the doctrines oftheir faith, including non-violence, a non-attachment to the material world, and a belief that every living thing has a soul and spirit. Many fast for the whole week and practice abstinence.
September 12 to 16- Ghambar Paitishahem in Zoroastrianism
Ghambar Paitishahem is an early autumn feast that celebrates the bringing in of the harvest. Sunset of September 13 to 15- Rosh Hashanah in Judaism
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish spiritual New Year celebration and it occurs on the first and second day of the seventh month (Tishrei) of Jewish calendar. One of the important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim) or the ten days of repentance begin from this festival. Followers abstain from work on these festival days.
"Shan a Tovah" meaning Happy New Year is the greeting offered.
September 16 or 17- Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayak Chauth in Hinduism
This ten days festival commemorates Lord Ganesh- the remover of obstacles and success granter. Birthday of Ganesh is celebrated on the first day. It is an important festival for Maharashtrians. The celebrations range from simple home ceremonies and prayers to large communal festivities. He is remembered first in all Hindu prayers. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival inspiring devotees to inculcate redemptive virtues in their lives.
September 18 - Samvatsari in Jainism 8 Samvatsari festival is celebrated annually with an emphasis on penance and prayers. The day falls on the last day of Paryushan. Jains practice the annual Pratikramana reflection on past year and renewal of faith for the coming year.
September 18- Daslakshan Parva in Jainism
Daslakshan festival celebrates the observance of ten virtues of Jain Dharma; viz., Noble kshama (forbearance), mardava (gentleness), arjava (uprightness), shaucha (purity), satya (truth), sanyam (restraint), tapa (austerity), tyaga (renunciation), akinchanya (lack of possession) and brahmcharya (chastity). Most followers of the faith fast on the day, give donations in cash or kind and read holy scriptures.
September 19- Powley Day in Aboriginal Spirituality
Powley day commemorates the efforts and success of Steve Powley on behalf of all Metis of Canada and especially of Ontario for Aboriginal heritage rights, justice and recognition. September 22- Waqfatu' Arafat in Islam
On the ninth day of Dhul' Hijjah (the month of pilgrimage) is Waqfatu' Arafat, also known as the Day of Arafat. Muslim pilgrims on Hajj (one of the five pillars of Islam) visit the Plains of Arafat on this day to commemorate the last revelation received by Prophet Mohammed on Mount Arafat. Pilgrims attend the Hajj service and pray.
Sunset of September 22 to 23- Yom Kippur in Judaism
Yom Kippur is a day of reflection, prayer and atonement for adherents. It is commemorated on the tenth day of the seventh month of Tishrei. Followers fast from the evening of previous day and visit the synagogue for prayers and confession- repent for sins of the previous year. The greeting for Yom Kippur is, "Have an easy fast."
September 23 or 24- Eid-ui-Adha in Islam
This is the Festival of Sacrifice in the Islamic faith and is celebrated at the end of the pilgrimage or Hajj. Eid-ui-Adha is celebrated to honour Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God. To commemorate this sacrifice, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat and donate the meat, or its equivalent value in cash, to charity. This is the minimum requirement for those who can afford it. 9
September 23 - Shuki-Sorei-Sai in Shinto
Shuki-Sorei-Sai also called Shubun-no-hi is an autumn memorial Service for ancestors that have passed on. It is observed on the Autumn Equinox day. Mostly services for ancestors are held on altars in the home. Gravesites are visited, cleaned and purified with offerings made to Kami.
September 23- Mabon /Harvestide in Wicca
Mabon is one of eight sabbats and this second harvest festival is celebrated on autumn equinox. It is also known as wine harvest. Celebrations include giving thanks for abundance of grain and fruit before winter.
September 26 or 27- Anant Chaturdashi in Hinduism and Jainism
Ananta Chaturdashi is especially celebrated by women in Bengal. On this day they fast and pray for the long life oftheir spouses. This day ends the Ganesh pooja begun on Ganesh Chaturthi Day ten days ago and many immerse the Ganesh that they bring into the home for the observance period. It is also a day of atonement for Jains and the last day of Samvatsari.
September 27 to October 14- the month of Mashi'yyat in Baha'i
In the Baha'i calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. September 27 is the beginning of Mashi'yyat, the eleventh month of the Baha'i calendar, signifying "will."
The Baha'i day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
Sunset of September 27 to October 4- Sukkot in Judaism
The eight-day festival of Sukkot also called the Feast of Booths begins five days after Yom Kippur and is a joyous celebration. The festival commemorates the end of forty year wandering of Jewish people as well as the gathering of the harvest. Followers of the faith construct a hut or booth called sukkah during this festival. Happy holidays or Chag samayach is the traditional greeting. Adherents abstain from work at the start and 10 end of this festival.
September 28- Kshamavani in Jainism
Kshamavani is an annual forbearance day. On this sacred day every member of Jain community approaches his or her kith and kin, neighbour, colleague and co-worker irrespective of his/her caste, creed and clan and begs their pardon for all faults or mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly. This activity is a first step on the path to attain liberation or salvation for Jains. This day marks the end of Daslakshan Parva.
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 ofthese 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 [email protected]
11 Celebrating Faith and Culture September 2015
DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE
September Genuuqwilkw Aboriginal Spirituality September I Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Sikhism September4 Sri Krishna Janmashtami Hinduism September 5 Farvardegan Zoroastrianism September 7 Labour Day Canada September 8 to 26 the month of 'Izzat Baha'I September I I Nayrouz Christianity September II Paryushan Parva Jainism September 12 to 16 Ghambar Paitishahem Zoroastrianism Sunset September 13 to 15 Rosh Hashanah Judaism September 16 or 17 Ganesh Chaturthi Hinduism September 18 Samvatsari Jain ism September 18 Daslakhan Parva Jain ism September 19 Powley Day Aboriginal Spirituality September 22 Waqfatu' Arafat Islam Sunset September 22 to 23 Yom Kippur Judaism September 23 or 24 Eid-ui-Adha Islam September 23 Shuki-Sorei-Sai Shinto September 23 Mabon /Harvestide Wicca 12 September 26 or 27 Anant Caturdashi Hinduism and Jainism September 27 to October 14 the month of Mashi'yyat Baha'I Sunset September 27 to Sukkot Judaism October 4 September 28 Khamavani Jainism
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 10.1 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee September 16, 2015
Status Update: Health & Physical Education - Curriculum Support and Teacher Professional Learning
Recommendation
It is recommended that this report be received.
Background
The Ministry of Education has updated the The Ontario Curriculum: Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education, Interim Edition, 2010. Beginning in September 2015, all health and physical education programs for grade 1-8 will be based on the expectations outlined in the new curriculum document The Ontario Curriculum: Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education, Revised, 2015. 13
Prepared by: Poleen Grewal, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services and Hubert Brard, Instructional Coordinator, Arts and Health and Physical Education
Submitted by: Poleen Grewal, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services The Ministry of Education has updated the The Ontario Curriculum: Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education, Interim Edition, 2010. Beginning in September 2015, all health and physical education programs for grade 1-8 will be based on the expectations outlined in the new curriculum document The Ontario Curriculum: Grades 1-8: Health and Physical Education, Revised, 2015. In order to support staff with the implementation of this curriculum a number of teacher resources/supports have been created and will be made available to staff through professional learning. Along with the creation of these resources a decision has been around the following around implementation:
• A letter will be sent home to all Peel District School Board families from Director Tony Pontes by September 11, 2015 about this revised curriculum and its implementation in Peel Schools (appendix A). The letter will be translated for families in the top ten languages of our Peel community • the Healthy Sexuality component of the curriculum at the elementary level will NOT be delivered until the spring--likely after March Break. We want time to train staff, and to communicate with parents at the board and school level • New mandatory letters will be sent to parents at each grade level to inform them that the class of their son/daughter is dealing with the Healthy Sexuality component of the curriculum. The letters must be sent at least two weeks in advance. These template letters will be sent to you for your use • In October a parent guide on HPE will be distributed to parents in multiple 14 languages --it should provide a 'third point' for you, and your teachers, to use in discussions with parents • At this point, we will only acknowledge requests for religious accommodation--we will not respond to them until the new year. A template letter for this purpose is attached (appendix B). • We will NOT provide religious accommodation regarding HPE or at any time if it related directly to our work regarding inclusion. This is not only the right thing according to Ontario Human Rights, it is also consistent with our core values of respect and inclusion. While we will never encourage nor suggest a parent keep a child at home and miss these important lessons regarding inclusion, we do understand parents may choose to do so • We will bring elementary principals and vice principals together--in person or virtually--to review the religious accommodation process and to talk through potential concerns • Staff in curriculum are working through potential solutions to deal with large numbers of legitimate exemptions in the spring--this will include alternate timetabling. We will review those options in our meeting • There may be cases where despite every possible solution suggested the number of legitimate exemptions are too large to supervise within a school. In such cases, schools will work through their superintendent of education who will liaise with the Director's Office to determine the action needed • We are revising our Religious Accommodation procedure to align with current practice. It will roll out at October SOE meetings. While we realize the concern about workload, we must treat each request individually --that is a legal requirement • We will continue to provide resources for you to use to deliver factual information to parents beyond the parent guide. This will include a ready-made presentation to use with your school council or groups of parents. We will also be working with our faith leaders to try to have them deliver this information in their community
In terms of actual curriculum implementation, much work has been done. Over the summer, a writing team worked hard to develop significant resources for curriculum implementation. This included a review of the existing programs that support the curriculum --like the Grade 1 and 4 child abuse prevention units, the grade 5, 7 and 9 human development and sexual health units developed with Peel Health and In the Know grades 1-8.
We also developed units and lesson plans for each grade to support the Human Development and Sexual Health expectations. We provided resources for the Professional Learning Day and there will be a major focus on after school workshops for elementary and secondary teachers. These sessions will provide a curriculum review, lesson plans, websites and resources.
15 16 Appendix A .B\BI~ District @ Board ...... _,P ~~~School
5650 Hurontano Street Mississauga, ON, Canada LSR 1C6 t 905.890.1010 1.800.668.1146 f 905.890.6747 www.pcclschools.org
Dear Peel District School Board Families,
Welcome back to a new school year! We are pleased that you have chosen the Peel District School Board as the place for your child to learn. I can assure you that the staff at the school will inspire success, confidence and hope in your child.
There has been a lot of media coverage about the revised Health and Physical Education curriculum. I know some parents still have concerns, and I wanted to write at the start of the year to let you know what we have done to prepare, and how we will involve you in the year ahead.
First of all, it is important to reinforce that the teaching of the Healthy Sexuality component of the curriculum is NOT new. It is something our skilled and professional staff have delivered since 1998. The curriculum we will deliver this year, however, is revised, and we want to make sure staff have everything they need to deliver the curriculum and parents have accurate information about the revised curriculum.
To support teachers, a summer writing team has worked hard to develop significant resources to support the curriculum, including units and lesson plans for each grade, resources and teacher training. Our staff will have everything they need to continue to provide the curriculum with 17 professionalism, sensitivity and care.
To provide time for parents to build an understanding of the curriculum, the Healthy Sexuality components will not be delivered in Peel elementary schools until the spring-likely after March Break. Also, to put this in context, this section of the curriculum is fairly small-there will likely be a handful of lessons this Spring to cover the Healthy Sexuality component-as little as two or three lessons in some grades.
We know parents want notice of when this will be talked about in class, and so we will now require all schools to send letters to parents at each grade level at least two weeks before we cover the Healthy Sexuality section of the curriculum. In October, we will also send home a detailed Parent Guide to provide factual, grade-by-grade, information about the revised curriculum.
Since we are teaching the revised Healthy Sexuality components in the Spring, there is no need for parents to submit letters at this point for Religious Accommodation. We will, of course provide such accommodation on an individual basis as defined in our operating procedure, but we would ask that requests not be submitted until the new year. Requests received before that point will be acknowledged but not responded to until the new year.
Trustees Director of Education and Secretary GREATER Janet McDougald, Chair David Green Tony Pontes Suzanne Nurse, Vice-Chair Sue Lawton TORONTO'S Brad MacDonald Carrie Andrews Associate Director, Instructional Support Services TOPH!m Stan Cameron Kathy McDonald Scott Moreash • Robert Crocker Harkirat Singh EMPLOYERS Nokha Dakroub Baig Rick Williams Associate Director, Operational Support Services Jaspal Gill aa.D District 8...... _, P ~~~School Board
5650 Hurontario Street Mississauga, ON, Canada L5R 1C6 t 905.890.1010 1.800.668.1146 f 905.890.6747 www.peelschools.org
I do, however, want to be clear-- where the work in the classroom is about inclusion-whatever form that inclusion may take-based on any of the protected grounds in the Human Rights Code-we will not provide religious or any other accommodation.
What does this mean? Well, if we are talking about different kinds of families-a discussion that builds a climate of inclusion and safety-we will not allow religious accommodation to be used as a reason for a student to miss that lesson. That action is consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, and with our values as a board. This is true not just regarding the Health and Physical Education Curriculum but also the other classroom discussions and school activities about inclusion during the school year. We are committed to equity and inclusion in all forms, and schools actively support that work throughout the year.
As a board, we are committed to our values-and being inclusive is key. So, while a parent may choose to keep their child at home for parts of the curriculum, we strongly hope that they do not. We want all students to be part of discussions that build respect and understanding, that help all students feel safe and respected.
18 Once again, welcome back. Thank you for choosing the Peel District School Board. We look forward to a great school year!
Tony Pontes Director of Education
Trustees Director of Education and Secretary Janet McDougald, Chair David Green Tony Pontes GREATER Suzanne Nurse, Vice-Chair Sue Lawton Carrie Andrews Brad MacDonald Associate Director, Instructional Support Services TORONTO'S Stan Cameron Kathy McDonald Scott Moreash TOPfl!m Robert Crocker Harkirat Singh Nokha Dakroub Baig Rick Williams Associate Director, Operational Support Services EMPLOYERS Jaspal Gill - Appendix B
(Acknowledging requests received in fall for religious accommodation re HPE at the elementary level)
Dear (insert name)
This acknowledges that I have received your request for religious accommodation regarding the Health and Physical Education curriculum.
As you know from the September xx letter to parents from Director of Education Tony Pontes, since we are teaching the revised Healthy Sexuality components in the Spring, there is no need for parents to submit letters at this point for Religious Accommodation.
I will, of course provide such accommodation on an individual basis as defined in our operating procedure, but we ask that requests not be submitted until the new year. Requests received before that point will be acknowledged but not responded to until the new year. This is your acknowledgement that I have received your request.
We know parents want notice of when the curriculum will be talked about in class, and schools are required to send letters to parents at each grade level at least two weeks before we cover the Healthy Sexuality section of the curriculum.
At this point, I would encourage you to read the HPE Parent guide that will be distributed to parents in October, and to follow up with your child's teacher, or me with any specific questions. 19
Yours sincerely
(name of principal) 20
PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 10.2 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee September 16, 2015
EngageMath- Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy: Work Plan for 2015-2016
Recommendation
It is recommended that this oral report be received.
Background
The board's comprehensive numeracy strategy, EngageMath, moves into its second year in 2015-2016. The strategy supports improvements in the teaching and learning of mathematics and consists of three foundational drivers:
21 • The instructional core - mathematical reasoning across grades and subject areas • Instructional strategies - teaching strategies known to prompt mathematical thinking • Assessment - strategies from Growing Success that demonstrate student thinking
The work plan outlines the content for professional learning, supports for improving math instruction, structures to facilitate teacher learning, and ways to communicate learning outcomes.
Prepared by: Soni Gill and David Jack, School Effectiveness Leads
Submitted by: Poleen Grewal, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services
1\) COMPREHENSIVE NUNfi:RACY STRATEGY K-12 2014-2017- Updated August 2015
Numeracy is our curricular focus in the Peel District School Board. We have explicitly defined our strategy to empower all educators to support the implementation of improved numeracy instruction in Peel classrooms. Our Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy has 3 drivers: the instructional focus, instructional strategies and assessment. "[The Ontario Mathematics Curriculum] is based on the belief that students learning mathematics most effectively when they are given opportunities to investigate ideas and concepts through problem-solving and are then guided carefully into an understanding of the mathematical principles involved. At the same time, it promotes a balanced program in mathematics. The acquisition of operational skills remains an important focus of the curriculum." (The Ontario curriculum, Grades 1-a) "Today's mathematics curriculum must prepare students for their future roles in society. It must equip them with an understanding of important mathematical ideas; essential mathematical knowledge and skills; ski/Is of reasoning, problem-solving and communication; and, most importantly, the ability and the incentive to continue learning on their own." (The Ontario curriculum, Grades 11 and 12)
Our Instructional Educators across all grades and subject areas will focus on teaching and learning through the Focus lens of numeracy with an emphasis on proportional and spatial reasoning in order to make student learning visible.
Instructional Educators will use learning goals and co-created success criteria, teach using the 3 part lesson Strategies framework, employ rich tasks and use thinking tools and manipulatives in order to support student learning and thinking.
Assessment for Educators will use descriptive feedback and formative assessment in order to improve student Learning achievement.
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As we move along our learning journey focusing on effective instruction and assessment practices to improve student achievement in mathematics, the key areas of focus for the Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy for 2015-2016 are: • Deepening our mathematical content knowledge for teaching • Use of rich tasks for instructional and assessment purposes • Numeracy and how it relates to Mathematics • Assessment for Learning to enhance instruction and student learning
Page 1 ofB COMPREHENSIVE NUMERACY STRATEGY K-12 2014-2017- Updated August 2015
The Numeracy Team develop core professional • Numeracy Team • CISESS Superintendents • Continuing learning opportunities on the 3 drivers differentiated comprised of math • CISS Superintendent of September 2015 for Superintendents, Principals, Instructional educators from Peel and Education 3 meeting per year Coaches, and educators. • from the province, • Mathematical Literacy (November, including, but not limited Instructional Coordinator February and May) to Mathematical Literacy, Coordinator, Literacy Coordinator, Assessment Coordinator, Coordinating Principals School Effective Leads, Selected Superintendents of Education, Associate Director, ETFO and OSSTF Representatives
Numeracy Strategy addressed at Starting Point. • Starting Point speech • Director I • September 2015 Key messages will be reviewed. Successes and • Communications Support next steps will be outlined developed, A focus will be Services placed on: Numeracy Team • Showcasing how math is everywhere • • We are ALL teachers of Numeracy- This is 21 51 century teaching and learning • 3 Core Drivers remain unchanged • Success from the first year • Key areas of focus for 2015-21 06 All schools will have a numeracy goal and theory of • School Success Planning • Superintendents of By November 15, action as their main school success focus module to be revised to Education I. 2015 facilitate numeracy goal • Principals setting • School teams
Page2of8 1\) w I\) COMPREHENSIVE NUMERACY STRATEGY K-12 2014-2017- Updated August 2015 Principals work with staff teams to promote a school • Balanced Mathematics • Superintendents of • Continuing culture that supports numeracy cross the curriculum Instruction K-12 Education September 2015 based on Balanced Mathematics Instruction K-12 document Principals and ongoing document • • Workshops: Facilitation • Secondary Department Skills for Department Heads Heads • EngageMath website • Mathematics Learning in a Play-Based Environment document
All Principals will focus their professional learning • EngageMath website • Principals • Continuing October opportunities at the school level (staff meetings, • Instructional Coaches (to -June 2016 release days, department meetings, PL Days) on build capacity with school their numeracy goal teams) Provide meaningful, focused support and • CISS Math Team (to professional development for lead teachers and include Mathematics secondary Department Heads Resource Teachers and School Effectiveness Leads)
Principals and/or VPs will attend portions of all • Resources developed by • Principals, Vice-Principals • Continuing October collaborative inquiries (K-6 networks, 7-1 0 CISESS staff & Math • Teachers 2015- June 2016 networks, school sessions) related to numeracy with Team in order to support Program Coordinators their teaching teams • building a unit of study, • Instructional Coaches Key areas of focus: assessment & reporting • CISS Math Team • Deepening our mathematical content I knowledge for teaching I • Use of rich tasks for instructional and assessment purposes • Numeracy and how it relates to Mathematics • Assessment for Learning to enhance instruction and student learning
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All schools K - 12 will participate in numeracy Math Team • Mathematical Literacy October 2015 to focused collaborative inquiry networks. 1: Engage Math website Coordinator t· February 2016 Curriculum documents SEL's 7 -10 Networks will continue to support cross-panel • • family of schools groupings. • Ministry resources • Math Team • Dreambox on-line • Dreambox Learning K-6 networks will again focus on grades 3 to 6 with a software • Early Years Coordinator school choice of participation in centrally supported • Peel resources and directed networks or in self-selected, self- directed networks.
Selected schools will have the opportunity to use the resource 'Dreambox' as a pilot project to support their professional learning and their work with students.
Early Years Lead Network Inquiries (K-2) will focus mathematical learning in the primary grades.
Identified schools in the SSI initiative will adopt numeracy as the focus of their collaborative work- specifically supporting teachers of grade 9 and 1 0 applied mathematics.
The Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy K-12 is • Board Improvement Plan CISESS Superintendents I • By Fall 2015 used as the main focus for the submission of the integrally aligned with I: CISS Math Team Board Improvement Plan Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy Schools develop School Success Plans based on Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy Reviewed with ISS Team I· in August
The CISS Math Team will provide in-depth, • Comprehensive • CISS Math Team • First week of differentiated professional learning for instructional Numeracy Strategy K-12 September 2014
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coaches on the 3 drivers referenced in the • Balanced Mathematics (will need to be Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy K-12. Instruction K-12 revised) • EngageMath Website • Nelson (PRIME) • Friday meetings Professional learning will include PRIME training to Representatives support the instruction coaches' content knowledge for teaching mathematics • September 2015 - December 2015
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The CISS Math Team will provide regular Comprehensive • CISS Math Team • October 2015 - professional learning for the ISS Team on the I . Numeracy Strategy K-12 February 2016 at: curriculum • Balanced Mathematics • Pre Board Instruction K-12 meetings • Professional Resource: • ISS Meetings Making Math Meaningful • EngageMath Website • Curriculum Documents Educators will be encouraged to engage in after- • Ministry AQ courses Mathematical Literacy I • Continuing hours professional learning related to the teaching of • Dinner & Dialogue series I . Coordinator September 2015 Mathematics • Superintendents of Education
At SOE meetings, Superintendents of Education will • Comprehensive • Superintendents of • Continuing integrate and align the language of Instructional Numeracy Strategy K-12 Education September 2015 Rounds and the Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy Balanced Mathematics and ongoing K-12 • Instruction K-12
Provide explicit links to recommended Transformational Practices strategies to be used to ,. Mathematical Literacy • Mathematical Literacy • continuing implement Comprehensive Numeracy Strategy Coordinator Coordinator September 2015 • CISS Math Team • Assessment Coordinator and ongoing • Instructional Coaches • Instructional Coaches
Explore and identify a common assessment for • SEF Framework • Mathematical Literacy • September 2015 to proportional and spatial reasoning K-12 • Comprehensive Coordinator June 2016 Numeracy Strategy K-12 • Assessment Coordinator • Balanced Mathematics Instruction K-12
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Develop a data monitoring strategy that includes Comprehensive • Mathematical Literacy ,. By February 2016 indicators of student achievement in the six areas of I. Numeracy Strategy K-12 Coordinator and ongoing the Balanced Mathematics Instruction K-12 • Balanced Mathematics • Math Team Instruction K-12 Develop clear established success criteria which link 1 • Secondary Department to the 3 core drivers Heads
CISESS Celebrating Learning (Literacy/Numeracy Guest speakers to • Mathematical Literacy • November 18 &19, Conference) I. include Cathy Marks Coordinator 2015 Krpan • Literacy Coordinator • Pearson Convention • Literacy/Numeracy Centre Break-out sessions
Parent Numeracy Conference 1 • Keynote speaker • Communications Support • Spring 2016 • Parent Workshops Services • Vendor display • All CISESS Coordinators
Engage parents in the Comprehensive Numeracy 1 • Address the successes • Communications Support • Continuing Strategy through various strategies (eg. Math Nights from the previous year, Services September 2015 for families, ,Welcome to Kindergarten Events, PRO key areas of focus for • Camera-ready articles to and ongoing Grants, and camera-ready articles) that explain the 2015-2016, brief outline support presentations at broad strategy and deal with the six areas of the Balanced Mathematics Instruction, K-12 of the Comprehensive School Council meetings document Numeracy Strategy, and • CISS Math Team address the 3 drivers in Continue to produce age appropriate articles for the form of a camera newsletters on the six components of the Balanced ready article Mathematics Instruction, K-12 document: • Minimum of 6 camera • Basic Facts and Operational Skills ready articles for • Attitudes to Math inclusion in school, one • Approaches to Instruction/Assessment for each column of the • Teaching Through Problem-Solving
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• Purposeful Practice Balanced Mathematics • Purposeful Use of Resources Instruction document • Section of each school's website to include camera-ready articles, Balanced Mathematics Instruction document, etc. based on grade levels in school
Review and gather feedback of the Comprehensive Transformational • Mathematical Literacy I By May 2016 Numeracy Strategy- Year 2 I· Practices document Coordinator • Comprehensive • Assessment Coordinator Numeracy Strategy K-12 • Numeracy Team • Balanced Mathematics • CISESS Superintendents Instruction K-12 • Superintendents of Ed .
Revise and publish Comprehensive Numeracy • Numeracy Team • Numeracy Team June 2016 Strategy for Year 3 • CISESS Superintendents • Superintendents of Ed . • Mathematics Literacy Coordinator
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PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 10.3 Instructional Programs/Curriculum Committee September 16, 2015
EQAO Update
Recommendation
It is recommended that this oral report be received.
Background
Due to labour sanctions in Spring of 2015, the Primary and Junior EQAO Assessments and the term 2 Grade 9 Mathematics EQAO Assessments were not completed by Peel DSB students. This will impact the assessment data that will be available to the Board for the 2014/2015 school year.
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Prepared and Submitted by:
Poleen Grewal, Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction Support Services