Why an Equity Action Plan?
In 2013, the Ontario Ministry of Education issued Program Policy Memorandum 119 entitled: Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools. Ontario’s subsequent Education Action Plan (2017) further outlined boards responsibilities to ensure equity of access and equity of opportunity for all learners. Our new Equity Action Plan was created and approved by Trustees in September 2019.
How was this plan developed?
An environmental scan of other public school board Equity Action Plans and websites provided models for aligning priorities and documenting our work. Extensive consultation was also done to develop the plan with community agencies, members of the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, KPDSB Mental Health Leaders, and Senior Administration. Opportunities to gather student voice throughout the implementation of this plan is a priority in the 2019-2020 school year.
Who does an Equity Action Plan support?
Our school communities are comprised of rich diversity. Our students are children, adolescents, young adults or adults. With such diversity comes a variety of strengths, needs, interests, goals, identities and cultural backgrounds. Students are cared for by different people, who all show their love and support in the way that best meets their child’s background and beliefs.
What and who does the plan include?
In the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board, we strive to ensure that all students and staff have inclusive learning and working environments. This Equity Action Plan outlines who we are as a board, our commitment to reconciliation, illustrates the equity work already underway and describes the work we still need to commit to do under the following eight equity focus areas:
Eight Equity Focus Areas:
- Board Policies, Procedures, Guidelines and Practices
- Shared and Committed Leadership
- School-Community Relationship
- Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment Practices
- Religious Accommodations
- School Climate and Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment
- Professional Learning
- Accountability and Transparency
How will we track our progress?
On-going monitoring and reporting of our collective actions towards meeting our identified equity targets is essential to achieving our goals as a system. To this end, the KPDSB Equity and Inclusion Administrator will work with schools and the board to integrate and track how the equity strategies are embedded into School and Board Improvement Plans and KPDSB committees. Regular progress updates will be brought forward to Senior Administration and the Board of Trustees.
