We value the thoughts, insights, opinions and ideas of our students. Evidence provided by our students in what they say and reveal, and in the results of their learning, write the Story for us, and tell us what our next steps need to be.

Last Spring, as shared previously, we extracted sufficient data from the student survey conducted, where students revealed that they struggled with their confidence, primarily in the areas of literacy and social emotional wellbeing.  This evidence led to staff to look for ways in which we could support our learners, particularly in these areas.  We agreed that developing a growth mindset schoolwide could support our efforts in helping students grow confidence in all areas of learning (academic, social and emotional, personal, etc.).

We also looked at the data found in our reporting last school year which revealed a high percentage of students fell within the 'developing' proficiency scale rating in Literacy.  We looked at the literacy result for a representation of our students, in Grades 3 and 4, and found that 48.6% were in the 'developing' stage of proficiency by the end of last school year.  Our more recent Fall 2024 FSA results shows nearly 70% of 36 participants, now in Grades 4 and 7, are in the 'On Track' category (On Track defined as: a partial to complete understanding = 'developing'). 

This year, as we build an understanding of growth mindset schoolwide, and as students adopt growth mindset 'ways of thinking' and 'ways of being' in their efforts as learners, our hope is to see progress in building literacy skills. Our focus will be most particularly centred in developing a positive experience in writing.  A schoolwide reading and comprehension scan will also be conducted in the Spring.

Our hunch is that progress in this area will have a wide-ranging influence on student growth resulting in a positive experience as learners which will influence learning and progress in other areas as well (confidence builds a positive outlook and a joy for learning).  

We look forward to tracking progress and sharing more with you in future posts!