Learning at HWDSB

Secondary Student Success Update (December 2020)

Secondary schools continue to support student learning through an adaptive delivery mode. The alternate day rotational model includes the combination of in-person at-school instruction and remote learning. At this stage in the school year, an update is shared.

Learn more about key dates of the Semester One, Secondary School Year Calendar dates, here.

Semester One Mid-Term Marks

Students have entered the final quarter of the semester as of December 11. Semester One mid-term marks indicate that students are not having the same success at this time of year. Strategies are in place to support students in earning their credits.

Exam Cancellation and Student Success Days

In the interests of student achievement and well-being, HWDSB has cancelled examinations for the 2020-21 school year. The five days at the end of the Semester One, January 25- 29, 2021, previously devoted to final exams, have become Student Success Days to provide dedicated time for Credit Rescue.

Credit Rescue is a strategy that allows students to focus on demonstrating the learning need to earn the credit. Credit Rescue activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Submitting tasks/assignments not currently complete;
• Performing tasks to demonstrate achievement;
• Submitting a portfolio of tasks improved based on the feedback provided earlier in the semester;
• Re-taking an assessment or assessments (e.g. test) that were below 50%.

During Student Success Days, no new learning activities will occur during the week. All students are welcome to participate.

Classroom Interventions

Classroom teachers will play a key role in supporting students to be successful. Teachers may adjust the tasks and evaluations that students need to complete to demonstrate their understanding of the overall expectations of the course.

Teachers will use their professional judgement to assess and evaluate their students’ demonstration of the curriculum expectations, and may weigh the value of some evaluations over others.

Classroom teachers will be in contact with parents whose student  need to complete credit rescue activities during student success week. Mid-term marks are available in the Parent Portal.

Strategies to Maximize Student Achievement

Secondary teachers spent time during a recent Professional Activity Day looking to maximize student achievement. Some schools spent the time analyzing student mid-term mark data and developing student success plans for the rest of the semester.

Actions coming out of this work include teachers focusing their teaching on the “big ideas” of the curriculum and reducing the number of activities and tasks needed to complete the curriculum’s requirements. Other staff focused on Assessment and Evaluation strategies and what the final 30 per cent of each course would look like with the cancellation of a formal exam week.

Changes in teaching practice, based on teachers’ experiences this fall, is also being reviewed to further engage and support students when they are learning from home.

Student Success Interventions

Each secondary school has a Student Success teacher (SST) dedicated to supporting students with their well-being and academic needs. This teacher works closely with the school principal and vice-principal, as well as the Student Services department heads, to support students. During the last quarter of each semester, student success teachers will work with their colleagues to create individualized plans for students. Depending on the needs of the student, these plans may include:

• Holding “Check-in” appointments to monitor progress and coach students to success
• Contacting students and their parents/caregivers to discuss well-being, attendance and academic progress
• Collaborating with classroom teachers in creating credit rescue plans
• Re-timetabling to adjust a student’s course load and focus on classes where the student can earn the credit
• Enrolling students in part-time studies or system programs
• Contacting the Early Leaver Re-engagement Specialist to connect with students who have completely disengaged with school
• Accessing community well-being, medical, or academic supports
• Beginning to plan for the next semester by adjusting timetables

Parent Involvement

Parents, guardians and caregivers will be notified about what is being done to support their child as part of Student Success planning, especially if a student’s course or timetable is being adjusted or a credit is at risk.

Questions or concerns can be directed to your child’s teacher or Guidance Counsellor.