Shaping Our Future Workbook

8/13/2019 Shaping Our Future Workbook

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WORKBOOKThis document is designed to help you share

your ideas and perspectives on how we ensure

success for all youth as we move forward.

Thank you for supporting

the learning needs of

youth in our community.

Were looking for your thoughtsas to how we work together tobuild our high schools and studentexperiences for the 21st century.


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What is this project about?

GSACRD is an integral part of a unique community, where the socio-economic status of residents in St. Albert is among the

highest in Alberta, where parents are highly educated, and where students make choices about the schools they attend based on

their needs, values and preferences. This sometimes means that as students mature, they choose programs, options or schoolsthat meet their individual specific needs. In operating in ways that are true to its values, GSACRD is looking to the future in ways

that build on and celebrate District strengths and successes, meet student and community needs, and make choices for change

that are sustainable into the future.

As noted by the Inspiring Education Initiative (AB Education), Albertans have told us that our education system must grow and

adapt in order to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of a constantly evolving world. While we may not know

exactly what the future holds, we do know that some competencies and attributes will be particularly important to the success

of our students. GSACRD embraces the aspirations associated with this initiative and are eager to understand the educational

needs and values held by GSACRD stakeholders. This will allow for the most adept and accurate alignment and response of schoo

programming to the changing needs of students, staff, parents and the St. Albert community.

Why this conversation and why now?

GSACRD is working with a public engagement consulting firm (Dialogue Partners) to host a series of conversations and activities

with staff, students, parents and interested community members to understand and identify:

how we work together to map out a sustainable path forward for high school programming

and ensure a positive student experience that reflects the values of GSACRD and the St. Albert

community, ensures success for all youth, and builds on the good work being done in our schools.

Shaping Our Future:Supporting the learning needs of youth for a successful future2


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How do you provide your hopes, thoughts and experiences?

Shaping Our Future is a project and conversation about working together to map out a sustainable path forward for high school

programming and ensure a positive student experience. The intention is that this collectively identified path reflects the values of

GSACRD and the St. Albert community that ensures success for all youth, and builds on the good work being done in our schools.

To support a constructive and effective discussion, we have identified 3 possible approaches for you and others to review (see

page 10). Each approach to school programming has a variety of implications, opportunities and challenges and we want you to

consider each approach and share with us your understanding of the pros, cons and trade-offs for each possible path forward.

We want to hear from as many diverse perspectives as possible; students, teachers, parents, school staff, community members,

business owners, social agencies, City staff and officials among many, many others.

This conversation will launch on Monday February 3 and conclude Sunday March 9.

Upon conclusion, all the input and feedback will be collected, analyzed and shared with District Administration, the Board of

Trustees and all participants prior to the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any corresponding change in programming or school

offering requires review and approval by the Board of Trustees and subsequent implementation. Depending on the magnitude or

scale of change this process would take 1-3 years to complete.

Check out our online discussion forums at

https://gsacrd.consider.it

https://gsacrd-staff.consider.it

https://gsacrd-students.consider.it


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What do you need to think about and consider in this conversation?

STUDENT/DISTRICT RESULT STATISTICS

Consistently, GSACRD is one of the top performing school systems in the province as measured by Alberta EducationsAccountability Pillar measures. When considering academic standings, Catholic High Schools in St. Albert are at the top. In fact,

cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite dYouville is ranked as the second highest performing public school in the province.

Overall rating out of 10

8.0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

7.5

7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

Overallratingoutof10

2014 The Fraser Institute

St. Alberta Catholic High School (St. Albert)

All Schools Average

St. Alberta (St. Albert)

Overall rating out of 10

8.0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

7.5

7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

Overallratingoutof10

2014 The Fraser Institute

cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite dYouville (St. Albert)

All Schools Average

Ste. Marguerite of dYouville (St. Albert)


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ACCOUNTABILITY PILLAR REPORT

The Report is a standard evaluation that all school systems in the province receive annually. This report measures school authority

performance to ensure the best possible education opportunities for students are funded.

Report Metrics

The Accountability Pillar provides school authorities with a wide range of data that paints a picture of how they are performing.

The framework focuses on more than student achievement, resulting in a more holistic approach to accountability. Other aspects

that impact student learning such as safe and caring environments, parent involvement, and satisfaction with the education

experience are measured, providing a more complete perspective of the jurisdictions overall learning environment based on the

input of students, parents and teachers.

A focus on improvements

When combined, this data provides a picture of school authority and school performance including areas of success and

challenges that lie ahead. In order to complete the picture, school authorities and schools analyze the detailed data that underlies

the Accountability Pillar evaluations and the many variables that may affect results. This enables school authorities and schools to

focus more effectively on improving student learning and achievement.

To see GSACRDs Accountability Pillar Report see page 19.


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HIGH SCHOOL CHOICE RESEARCH

In the last year GSACRD has undertaken extensive research to understand the choice-making and assumptions that have

contributed to student school choice in the District at Grade 10. Students who stay in our system seek significant relationships

with peers who place priority on education, leadership opportunities and eventual career paths.

Factors Influencing High School Choice

The most significant factors influencing high school choice is whether or not students have friends and/or a sibling attending.

The location of the school and parent influence are secondary in a students decision.

Parents Programming Friend or Sibling Location


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ST. ALBERT POPULATION HIGHLIGHTS

St. Albert is a dynamic and growing city, known for its picturesque landscape, rich history, healthy environment, celebrated

attractions and events, and overall high quality of life for residents.

St. Alberts population increased by 1.4% over the past two years, increasing from 60,138 in 2010 to 60,994 as of May 2012(average annual growth of 0.7%).

22% of the population is between the ages of 50-64, with 21% of the population between the ages of 35-49 and 20%

between the ages of 5-19.

The most populous age group category is the 45-54 age group (9,264) with 16%.

ST. ALBERT 2012 CENSUS REPORT AGE BREAKDOWN


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What does the District look like today?

Greater St. Albert Schools operates 16 schools in Legal, Morinville and St. Albert. We are one of the largest Catholic school systems in

Alberta and welcome students of all faiths and traditions. Our schools offer a range of program options including:

Preschool Programming

Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools offers preschool

programming at five sites. They provide early intervention to

young children in inclusive learning environments.

Kindergarten

Full Day, Half and Progressive options are available in many of

the schools.

Faith Education

We respect students as gifts from God and welcome students

from all religious backgrounds who wish to participate in aCatholic school environment. The uniqueness of our Catholic

tradition has been integrated into the curriculum and is

evident in the spirit of our schools.

French Immersion

French Immersion students have the option of two different

program structures. In St. Albert GSACRD offers a single-track

approach which features an environment dedicated entirely

to French Immersion from K to 12.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Programme is offered at St.Albert Catholic High School, an IB World School and an IB

Middle Years Programme is offered at Vincent J. Maloney

Catholic Junior High School.

Learning through the Arts

Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools offers an array of fine and

performing arts opportunities at all our schools. Students

enrolled in fine and performing arts programs, courses and

extra-curricular classes will be inspired for academic and artistic

excellence. Vital Grandin is the flagship school for this program.

Power UP 2 Learn

This program embraces the use of technology in all subject

areas. This includes all of the academic subjects, options and

physical education classes. It allows students to access and use

a variety of technology tools including their hand-held portabledevices such as iPods and iPhones to maximize learning.

Sports Academy

Athletics, Academics, Advantage! St. Albert Sports Academy

is based on the philosophy that students can learn through

sport to maintain or improve academic standing and improve

sports skills at the same time. Programs offered are hockey,

soccer, and gymnastics-cheer-dance.


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SCHOOL GRADES PROGRAMMING

ST. ALBERT

Albert Lacombe School K-6 English, Sports Academy

Bertha Kennedy Catholic Community School K-6 English

cole Father Jan Community School K-6 French Immersion, Grs. 4-6 Sports Academy

cole Marie Poburan K-6 French Immersion

J.J. Nearing Catholic Elementary School K-6 English

Neil M. Ross Catholic School K-6 English

Vital Grandin Catholic School K-6 English, Learning through the Arts

St. Gabriel High School 9-12 English - Online, Drop In or at Home

Greater St. Albert Sports Academy 4-6, 7-12 English, Hockey & Soccer Academics

Richard S. Fowler Catholic Junior High 7-9 English, Power UP 2 Learn, Sports Academy

Vincent J. Maloney Junior High 7-9 English, International Baccalaureate

cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite 7-9 French Immersion, Sports Academy

cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite dYouville 10-12 French Immersion, Sports Academy

St. Albert Catholic High School 10-12 English, International Baccalaureate

MORINVILLE

Georges P. Vanier School Preschool

Notre Dame Elementary School K-4 English & French Immersion

George H. Primeau School Middle School 5-8 English & French Immersion

Morinville Community High School 10-12 English & French Immersion

LEGAL

Legal School Pre-K-9 English

cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite dYouville 7-9 French Immersion, Sports Academy


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APPROACH 2

Provide a 21st Century prep school academy model

that provides a richer academic experience which

includes greater emphasis on student leadership and

enhanced post-secondary/career focus that is linked

to programming.

APPROACH 3

Consolidate existing high schools under a single

campus and implement innovative changes

to provide enriched programming and athletics

options for all high school students in St. Albert.

APPROACH 1

Celebrate and maintain our success as a District and

focus our resources and effort on maintaining and

enhancing that success now and into the future.

APPROACH 4

Is there another way to think about the future? Arethere ideas we havent mentioned? Tell us what that

future might look like to you.

What might GSACRD High Schools look like in the future?

This is our question for you. This is a question for all students, parents, staff and community members who want to see opportunities

and change that helps all students realize their full potential. We believe GSACRD is an integral part of making students and the

community of St. Albert successful into the future. We need your thoughtful ideas and input so we can make the choices that makethat future happen. Shaping Our Future Supporting the learning needs of youth for a successful future TOGETHER!


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Questions for your consideration about each approach

1. What are the opportunities and benefits associated with this approach?

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2. What are the challenges and limitations of this approach?

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3. What is it that you most value in this approach?

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4. What would you need to be considered if this approach was the path taken?

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5. What might we have to resolve or address to make this approach really work for everyone?

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6. How does this approach maximize and build on the Districts values and successes?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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WHAT WOULD THIS APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE LOOK AND FEEL LIKE?

In this approach we would continue to invest resources, effort and energy into the parts of the District where we are already

experiencing significant success, and maximize and leverage our positive student experience, community interaction and

support, as well as our exemplary academic results. We would use this success to prepare us for the competencies associated with

the Governments Inspiring Education Initiative.

This approach is focused on affirming our work to date, building on our strengths and using these to stay the course into the future.

WHAT WOULD CHANGE WITH THIS APPROACH?

There would be some minor adjustments and changes within schools and programs

that would revolve around our strengths.

For example, these might include:

Expand our community conversations and communications methods and

approaches to spread the word and celebrate our strengths as a communityand District.

Explore the introduction of dual track programming at St. Albert Catholic High.

WHAT WOULD STAY THE SAME WITH THIS APPROACH? High School Conguration.

Maintain single track at cole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite dYouville.

Programming would continue to include International Baccalaureate, CTS

Options, Language and Fine Arts Options.

APPROACH 1

Celebrate and maintain our success as a District and focus our resources and effort on maintaining and enhancing that

success now and into the future.

Single Track & Dual

Track Explained:

Single track is full

immersion experience

where as dual means

there is French and

English programming

in the school.


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FOR PEOPLE WHO WOULD FIND VALUE IN THIS APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE, WHAT MIGHT THEY SAY ABOUT HOW IT

WOULD WORK?

My child is excelling and really

enjoying his school experience and

I appreciate and value the current

programming available.

The benefit I see in this approach is

we arent investing lots of time and

money into something new that we

havent tried before and that might

not work as well.

As a GSACRD staff member I see

both of our St. Albert high schools

having outstanding student results.

We should continue on the same path

as we are one the highest performing

Districts in the province.

A student might saySACHS is the

best high school in St. Albert and I

dont want anything to change.

I regularly engage with community

members and attend the Community

Conversations. It is my understanding

that our current school structures are

serving the students well and therefore I

support Approach 1.


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In this approach existing high schools would introduce expanded and innovative options, in a similar way to those offered by

private or charter schools. It would include a combination of elements you find in the public and in private systems. For example:

standards for performance.

expectations for behavior.

an inclusive environment.

greater links to post-secondary institutions and programs.

Overall, high schools would celebrate and value a small intimate environment with deliberate planning and structure for

transitioning students to post-secondary and career preparation.


Student-centred exible scheduling.

More self-directed learning.

Introduce academy programming that accommodates elite athletes and

performers.

A focus on kindergarten to career education.

Intentional development of student leadership.

Exploring academic opportunities including introduction of international

travel and exchange programs and career partnerships.

Teacher advisors to enhance programming decisions and leadership

development.

Focus on students acquiring competencies that prepare them for the future

(for example, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical citizen, engaged thinker).

WHAT WOULD STAY THE SAME WITH THIS APPROACH?

This approach would build on the strengths of the academic success and results the District excels at now, while continuing to

meet future needs. The model would be inclusive to accommodate diverse learners. Diversity of programming would still exist (i.e. CTS, Languages, Fine Arts, etc.).

Strong focus on diverse learning needs (i.e. special education with a focus on career pathways for all students).

Ensure that all diverse learning needs can be met.

Continue use of existing facilities.

Continue post-secondary credit partnership oerings.

Self Directed Learning

Explained:

Students learn at their own

pace and can complete

courses online or in

classroom settings.

APPROACH 2

Provide a 21st Century prep school academy model that provides a richer academic experience which includes

greater emphasis on student leadership and enhanced post-secondary/career focus that is linked to programming.


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An individualized approach that

would give learners more flexibility

in their timetables, earn post-

secondary credits sooner or have

opportunities to learn valuable

skills for career and community.

Teachers are excited about

having more time to connect

one on one with students.

Students will learn team building and

the social skills to embrace the new

diversity in our communities.

My son is passionate about sports

and having the ability to work his

schooling around this would be

fabulous. I love having time in my day to

do the things that I enjoy most

and that Im good at.


WOULD WORK?


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It would include branding under a single entity while maintaining two distinct high school locations and program choices single

track French Immersion on one campus and English Programming at the other.

This consolidation would allow for the following:

merging programming to allow students to take courses at either site; and

broadening single track French Immersion opportunities.


Satisfy need of exibility for students to pursue extracurricular passions (for example athletic teams, performing arts

opportunities, broader CTS choices).

Richer academic experience with leadership and enhanced career/post-secondary focus by providing more options and

programming choices.

Provide a larger school experience.

Would require the District to provide transportation to and from campuses.

WHAT WOULD STAY THE SAME WITH THIS APPROACH?

School congurations would remain the same at both sites.

Single track French Immersion would continue at ESSMY site and English Program at SACHS site.

Maintaining the high academic standards that our community expect.

Ensure all that all diverse learning needs can be met.

APPROACH 3

Consolidate existing St. Albert High Schools under a single campus and implement innovative changes to

provide enriched programming and athletics options for all high school students in the community.


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We love the full French Immersion

experience and are glad my daughter

can continue that while experiencing

additional opportunities that are now

available at high school.

We are glad to have our students

experience diversity of programming

that is typical in a large school while

providing a more intimate learning

environment.

SACHS student might say: Id like to

experience some of my courses in French

but continue to have the variety of

options that currently exist in my school.This model would provide an

academic advantage for all

students who are competing for

post-secondary opportunities in the

province and nationally.

ESSMY student might say:

Awesome! I now get to try

out for the football team.


WOULD WORK?


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APPROACH 4

Is there another way to think about the future? Are there ideas we havent mentioned? Tell us what that future

might look like to you.


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Measure

Category

Measure

Category

Evaluation

Measure

Greater St. Albert

CSSD No. 734Alberta Measure Evaluation

CurrentResult

PrevYear

Result

Prev3 yr

Average

CurrentResult

PrevYear

Result

Prev3yr

Average

Achievement Improvement Overall

Safe and CaringSchools

Excellent Safe and Caring 92.3 91.7 91.0 89.0 88.6 88.1 Very High Improved Excellent

Student Learning

OpportunitiesExcellent

Program of Studies 86.7 85.4 85.8 81.5 80.7 80.7 Very High Maintained Excellent

Education Quality 93.3 92.5 91.8 89.8 89.4 89.3 Very High Improved Excellent

Drop Out Rate 2.2 2.2 2.9 3.5 3.2 3.9 Very High Improved Excellent

High SchoolCompletion Rate (3 yr)

8 1.0 81.1 79.5 74.8 74.1 72.7 High Maintained Good

Student Learning

Achievement(Grades K-9)

Excellent

PAT: Acceptable 89.8 89.0 89.0 79.0 79.1 79.2 Very High Maintained Excellent

PAT: Excellent 24.8 23.3 22.6 18.9 20.8 19.9 High Improved Good

Student Learning

Achievement(Grades 10-12)

Excellent

Diploma: Acceptable 90.8 86.9 86.6 84.6 83.1 82.5 Very High ImprovedSignificantly

Excellent

Diploma: Excellent 25.8 21.4 20.7 21.7 20.7 20.1 Very High Improved Excellent

Diploma ExamParticipation Rate (4+Exams)

61.9 63.3 61.5 56.6 56.2 59.4 High Maintained Good

Rutherford ScholarshipEligibility Rate(Revised)

69.9 76.4 70.9 61.3 61.5 59.4 High Maintained Good

Preparation forLifelong Learning,

World of Work,Citizenship

Good

Transition Rate (6 yr) 62.4 66.7 64.7 59.5 58.4 59.2 High Maintained Good

Work Preparation 83.6 82.9 81.2 80.3 79.7 79.9 High Improved Good

Citizenship 87.9 87.9 86.4 83.4 82.5 82.0 Very High Improved Excellent

PersonalInvolvement

Excellent Parental Involvement 84.8 84.5 82.7 80.3 79.7 79.8 Very High Improved Excellent

ContinuousImprovement

Excellent School Improvement 85.0 85.8 85.0 80.6 80.0 80.0 Very High Maintained Excellent

APPENDIX A

Accountability Pillar Overall Summary

Annual Education Results Report Oc t 2013Authority: 4077 Greater St. Albert Roman Catholic Separate School District No. 734

In reviewing these report cards the areas highlighted in green and blue reflect the highest level of achievement possible, whereas

red or orange indicate areas of concern.


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Greater St. Albert

Catholic Schools

Faith in Our Students

facebook.com/gsacrd twitter.com/GSACRD

SHAPINGOUR

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Shaping Our Future Workbook

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