2025 Program Strategy Review

FOCUS Programs: 

• Hockey Academy  

• SAGE  

• SAGE Quest  

• Mandarin Language Transition Program  

• R.A. Riddell Sports Academy  

We will also gather feedback on ESL/ELD programming, special education supports, Instrumental music for Gr. 7 and 8 students. 

• ArtSmart 

• Audition-Based Program for the Arts – Including Strings  

• Cosmetology 

• English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) Programs 

• Experiential learning experiences including: Co-operative education, Dual Credit, and Robotics 

• French Immersion 

• Health-Care Support Services 

• International Baccalaureate (IB)  

• Interdisciplinary Literacy Studies (ILS) Program 

• Self-Paced Self-Directed Learning 

• Specialist High Skills Major Programs 

• Steps 2 Graduation 

We will also gather feedback on special education supports, credit recovery and student success supports.

The Grade 1 French Immersion Application Process and Location Strategy was approved in 2016. Since the 2018-19 school year, an application process has been in place for students to access French Immersion, beginning in grade 1. In HWDSB, we have sixteen dual-track (French Immersion and English program) elementary schools and two single-track (French Immersion only) elementary schools along with two secondary French Immersion schools. HWDSB is seeking input on the Application Process and Location Strategy, along with French language programming, so we can ensure alignment with the MYSP and improve French language learning opportunities and outcomes for every student.  

Parents, caregivers and community will be provided a range of opportunities to share their perspectives and input.  This process will run approximately May 2025 until September 2025.  

The last time HWDSB did a review of Elementary Programs alongside French Immersion was in 2012.  Additionally Secondary Programs have not been reviewed since 2017.  Given that it is our Mission to ensure that every student experiences dynamic learning and builds their own future, we know that our programs need to meet the ever-changing needs of students and their families.  To do that we have embarked on a fulsome Program Strategy Review.   

HWDSB staff are leading this process and have engaged an outside researcher to help create and implement various opportunities for families, students, staff and community members to share their experiences with our programs.  After a competitive bidding process, the successful vendor is R.A. Malatest & Associates – an established education research consultancy established in 1985 with extensive experience and expertise across a wide array of research subjects and methodologies, with a particular focus on public policy research.   

It is important that we hear diverse voices in this review.  Students, parents /caregivers, staff, community organizations/partners, Trustees and union leaders will have a range of opportunities to share their perspectives with Malatest.  

Malatest will share their findings and recommendations to HWDSB. HWDSB will then evaluate the research findings to help inform, enhance and implement programs that responds to the findings that are aligned with the values, mission and vision of HWDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan.