Strategic Plan Summary

(November, 2003)

 

Introduction

 

During the 2002-2003 school year, members of the Regina Public Board of Education, together with the senior administrative staff of Regina Public Schools, developed a Strategic Plan to guide the progress of the school division. The five priority areas identified in the Strategic Plan are: Student Achievement/School Improvement, Accountability/Communication, School^PLUS, First Nations and Métis Education and Facilities. Attention to each of these areas is important to students receiving a quality education in Regina Public Schools.

 

 

Priority Area: Student Achievement/School Improvement

 

In order to maximize the educational experience and  improve achievement for all students, appropriate data must be collected, analyzed and used strategically to drive improved instruction and student accomplishment.

 

Objectives and Actions

 

In order to improve teaching and learning in Regina Public Schools, the academic strengths and weaknesses of our students must be identified. Regina Public Schools will collect and organize data on student achievement for the purpose of improving instruction and student achievement. We will ensure this information is used to help school staffs develop the most effective teaching practices.

 

To reach their maximum potential, all students must have access to a wide range of programs and services, and the individual needs of all students must be recognized. For this reason, instructional approaches and curricula in Regina Public Schools will be adapted to accommodate and build upon the learning needs of each student.

 

Regina Public Schools is committed to ensuring our schools are serving all students. To this end, we will monitor the degree to which we are meeting the needs of “average” students as well as those with exceptional needs. We will also support improved instruction by expanding information sources available to schools about effective teaching practices.

 

 

Priority Area: Accountability/Communication

 

Accountability is about responsibility - who is responsible for what and to whom. It is important to have reliable ways of evaluating how these responsibilities are being met and developing strategies for providing the public with clear, accurate information. Accountability in education also includes developing an understanding as to how students are being educated, how public funds are being used, and how responsibilities for various aspects of children’s education are being shared.

 

Objectives and Actions

 

Regina Public Schools will provide information on student achievement to students, teachers, administrators and parents. This information will be presented in a variety of forms, and in a manner which is jargon-free and easy to understand.

 

Research on school improvement shows that the appropriate use of data is critical to improving student outcomes. Regina Public Schools will use student achievement data at the school and system level to drive immediate and long term improvement. In addition to reviewing current assessment tools we will identify student strengths and weaknesses through the use of assessments conducted at the school, provincial and national levels. Our division will also pilot new mathematics resources and focus teacher in-service offerings on improving mathematics instruction.

 

Regina Public Schools will review our Communications Plan to ensure that parents and community members receive clear and timely information about student achievement and school improvement as well as other activities of interest.

 

 

Priority Area: School^PLUS

 

The world is changing. Students have different needs today than they did in the past, and consequently, the way society delivers services to children and families must change as well.  School^PLUS calls for schools, school divisions, government department and agencies and community organizations to work together to provide services to students and families.

 

Objectives and Actions

 

Regina Public Schools fully supports the collaborative, “TEAMWORK” approach of the School^PLUS  initiative. We will join with the provincial government and a host of other service providers to create teams designed to effectively deliver services to children, families and communities. Our division believes that community schools are leading the way in developing this model for collaborative service delivery and community involvement. We will encourage all of our schools to adopt this highly successful model.

 

Regina Public Schools will work closely with Saskatchewan Learning to pilot effective strategies for the benefit of children and youth. We will also provide Saskatchewan Learning with input and feedback at the school and division level to help ensure the successful implementation of School^PLUS .

 

Research has shown that intervention through early childhood programs can provide lasting benefits by improving educational opportunities for at-risk students. Regina Public Schools is committed to developing and implementing high quality Early Childhood programs.

 

Regina Public Schools will also support policies and build programs that support children and help families break the cycle of generational poverty.

 

 

Priority Area: First  Nations and Métis Education

 

There is a need to improve the level of achievement of First Nations and Métis students. To accomplish this, a broad range of supports must be developed and implemented.

 

Objectives and Actions

 

To help address this important priority area, Regina Public Schools will develop curriculum and instructional policy that emphasize the learning program, staff development, models of schooling, parent/community involvement and strengthened partnerships with First Nations and Métis organizations. The division will form a Steering Committee to develop a Policy Framework for Aboriginal Education. As well, we will use the work of the current partnership at Albert Community School and Scott Collegiate to develop a First Nations/Métis Urban Education model.

 

Research indicates that student achievement is closely tied to family support for education and involvement in schools. Regina Public Schools will continue to support programs that encourage First Nations and Métis involvement including Circle of Courage, Act 2000 and Beyond and Families and Schools Together (FAST).

 

Regina Public Schools will work to develop culturally affirming schools and will integrate First Nations and Métis content into all classrooms. Regina Public Schools believes that all students will benefit from learning about First Nations and Métis histories, treaties and current issues. We will continue to work closely with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner to provide training and materials for all schools. We will also support the provision of staff in-service in this area.

 

 

Priority Area:  Facilities

 

Physical surroundings have a significant impact on the delivery of effective programs and on the quality of life students and staff experience in schools.

 

Objectives and Actions

 

Regina Public Schools will gather and use data to ensure that our facilities are operating in a safe and cost-effective manner. As well, we will coordinate our planning with the City of Regina to ensure volunteer and community organizations have access to convenient and affordable facilities.