The #YRDSB Board Standing Committee Meeting is just about to start and I will be tweeting updates in this thread.
They are starting with an update on destreaming.
The report can be found here: yrdsb.civicweb.net/FileStorage/2C…
The report can be found here: yrdsb.civicweb.net/FileStorage/2C…
The board has supports for teachers on the internal board website.
Some examples:
Some examples:
Supports for students during the destreaming rollout:
Trustee Hoeg asking for an example of culturally responsive assessment.
Answer: Teachers can ask students to explore a number system from around the world. Students can research something connected to their identity.
Answer: Teachers can ask students to explore a number system from around the world. Students can research something connected to their identity.
Thank you to educators working through the hybrid model. They've heard from visits and the recent Toronto Star article about challenges.
The board is working on next steps.
They are looking to get feedback from EVS & SVS teachers for feedback about next steps.
The board is working on next steps.
They are looking to get feedback from EVS & SVS teachers for feedback about next steps.
(No they don't seem to get the difference between dedicated virtual schools and hybrid.)
They will be focused on hardware options, tech support, pedagogical resources, professional development.
Looking at audio enhancements. They will be looking at harnessing the expertise of educators in buildings.
All Pd, outside of PD days, is happening outside of the school day
Looking at audio enhancements. They will be looking at harnessing the expertise of educators in buildings.
All Pd, outside of PD days, is happening outside of the school day
EQAO is back!
"This year all tests will occur through the use of an online adaptive platform and can only be administered in-person. Students who are learning remotely will receive further instructions on how they may participate."
"This year all tests will occur through the use of an online adaptive platform and can only be administered in-person. Students who are learning remotely will receive further instructions on how they may participate."
For online/in-class model changes:
"In elementary schools, there will be an initial opportunity to request a change in learning model
(e.g., between face-to-face and remote learning) during the September school reorganization that occurs each year"
"In elementary schools, there will be an initial opportunity to request a change in learning model
(e.g., between face-to-face and remote learning) during the September school reorganization that occurs each year"
" In secondary schools, an opportunity to switch models will be provided around the mark
reporting of the semester (mid-November). Further communication will be provided to families."
reporting of the semester (mid-November). Further communication will be provided to families."
Staff Vaccination Update:
18000 board employees
83% have completed attestation
92% of those who submitted are vaccinated.
Just under 1% have medical exemption.
Testing kits are being distributed to unvaccinated staff this week.
18000 board employees
83% have completed attestation
92% of those who submitted are vaccinated.
Just under 1% have medical exemption.
Testing kits are being distributed to unvaccinated staff this week.
Human Resources still promoting resources for staff mental health and well-being.
Student Trustee Yu asking which extracurricular sports are permitted.
Answer: Fall inter school and intramural activities can proceed. These are volunteer for teachers so different options will run at different schools.
Indoors only low contact, outdoors high and low contact.
Answer: Fall inter school and intramural activities can proceed. These are volunteer for teachers so different options will run at different schools.
Indoors only low contact, outdoors high and low contact.
Trustee Cordova asking what the training for hybrid looks like.
After school day videos have been made available online. Example: "how to set up student desks".
Board is asking EVS & SVS teachers what worked last year. (I know, I know, but they don't)
After school day videos have been made available online. Example: "how to set up student desks".
Board is asking EVS & SVS teachers what worked last year. (I know, I know, but they don't)
Looking to provide some learning opportunities through the day. The board will tailor professional learning based on what they find.
(Not like hybrid is happening right now.)
(Not like hybrid is happening right now.)
Trustee Cordova: asking if there is an enrolment decline because of hybrid.
Answer: enrolment has been positive this year, they will have to follow up to provide an update.
Answer: enrolment has been positive this year, they will have to follow up to provide an update.
Director chimes in that we are in good shape. We are seeing good news from our reception centre in terms of newcomers registering at the YRDSB.
1000 more kindergarten students compared to last year when the board had a decline.
Trustee Liang asking if the board is looking at improving technology to improve the learning.
Answer: senior admin visited staff from another board to ask what they did last year. Looking at improved audio and video.
Hearing the good and bad reviews about the webcams.
Answer: senior admin visited staff from another board to ask what they did last year. Looking at improved audio and video.
Hearing the good and bad reviews about the webcams.
It depends on windows in a classroom, etc. It's not the camera it's distance to the board and lighting, etc.
Looking at using microphones in the webcams.
Looking any expediting purchases of new tech.
(TECH WILL SAVE US ALL!)
Looking at using microphones in the webcams.
Looking any expediting purchases of new tech.
(TECH WILL SAVE US ALL!)
Trustee Liang: Does the board have data about how teachers & students feel about hybrid?
Answer: board is discussing that, picking a time to gather that info. Now people are going through a learning curve.
There will be advancements and learning over the next few weeks.
Answer: board is discussing that, picking a time to gather that info. Now people are going through a learning curve.
There will be advancements and learning over the next few weeks.
(@D16OSSTF has lots of data and the trustees will be receiving it shortly)
@D16OSSTF Trustee asks about when families can change their learning model.
Answer: board will be monitoring the covid situation. Families should connect with the school office to make that request. Usually can be accommodated quickly.
Answer: board will be monitoring the covid situation. Families should connect with the school office to make that request. Usually can be accommodated quickly.
@D16OSSTF Trustee Cui: asking about challenges parents are dealing with when it comes to model changes. There is no consistency between schools when it comes to policy.
Answers: the board will clarify process to schools.
Answers: the board will clarify process to schools.
@D16OSSTF Trustee Cui asking about lunch breaks. Hearing from parents about unmasked crowding. Wants signs encouraging distancing. More instructions to principals.
Winter is coming & with students inside there will be more crowding. Can we do anything?
Winter is coming & with students inside there will be more crowding. Can we do anything?
@D16OSSTF Answer: Schools have directions, students have designated areas.
The board will remind administrators to enforce distancing.
(Can someone draw me a picture of what distancing looks like with 1000 students in the cafeteria?)
The board will remind administrators to enforce distancing.
(Can someone draw me a picture of what distancing looks like with 1000 students in the cafeteria?)
@D16OSSTF Ending reminder that the board appreciates all the work of educators and education workers.
Trustees will be visiting schools to hear from educators with the director and senior team.
Trustees will be visiting schools to hear from educators with the director and senior team.
@D16OSSTF Director: "When we chose the hybrid model we weren't choosing a model for the start of the year but one to deal with variants and vaccination."
"Many parents are keeping their children home while waiting for vaccination."
Looking forward to being responsive to needs of schools.
"Many parents are keeping their children home while waiting for vaccination."
Looking forward to being responsive to needs of schools.
@D16OSSTF Director is extending thanks for educators stretching and trying, "we will be here to support you every step of the way".
And the meeting is adjourned.
And the meeting is adjourned.
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