School District 69 (Qualicum)’s draft of its Strategic Plan 2019 to 2023 is now available for public feedback after the draft was received by the school board on Dec. 18.
The public has until the day before Jan. 17 to provide their feedback to interim superintendent Keven Elder (kelder@sd69.bc.ca). A board meeting will take place Jan. 22.
The draft document shows an emphasis on flexible learning methods to meet the needs of “all learners,” responding to the diverse social/emotional needs of students, information on the effect of colonialism on First Nations and the reconciliation movement, technology used throughout teaching and more.
The document breaks down strategic priorities into three headings: Student-Centred Learning, Quality Teaching and Leadership and Social/Emotional Learning.
The document also includes information from a 2018 survey with comments from the community, including students, about what is needed and what isn’t.
Comments from the public included: “Letting students guide their own learning gives them confidence, responsibilities and courage without pressure,” and “An increased focus on schools becoming involved and connected to their community is needed to expand students’ world vision and building of connections and relationships.”
When it came to student responses to the survey, they said they wanted to be able to choose classes that they were interested in, more school-wide activities, field trips from educational experiences, on-line/self-directed classes, opportunities to rewrite exams/quizzes, more time between classes and more.
In terms of what they wanted less of, they said: lecture-style classes, homework, political perspectives forced on students, focusing on grades rather than subject matter, teachers purchasing supplies with their own money and more.
To read the draft, go to www.sd69.bc.ca and click the SD69 – Draft 2019-2023 Strategic Plan notice.
To provide feedback before Jan. 17, email Elder via kelder@sd69.bc.ca
