Concurrent sessions

Collecting Student Demographic Data: What Should You Think About and Where Might you Start

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 205

In this interactive session, participants will learn about Edmonton Public Schools’ experience in establishing a Board Motion to support the collection of additional student demographic data in support of anti-racism and equity, and the work of Senior Administration to action this motion. Focus will be on key activities over the division’s two-year journey, covering a range of critical factors to consider when moving to collect additional student demographic data. This school division’s efforts to create a greater sense of belonging and be responsive to needs of all students can assist other school divisions to take evidence-informed steps towards fostering greater equity and inclusion for all.

Presenters:

• Trisha Estabrooks, Board Chair, Edmonton Public Schools
• Nancy Petersen, Managing Director, Strategic Division Supports and Co-Chair Anti-Racism and Equity Steering Committee
• Kent Pharis, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Co-Chair Anti-Racism and Equity Steering Committee

Engaging Stakeholders When Making Difficult Decisions

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 203

This interactive session will offer first-hand experience of how Trustees leverage the engagement component of the Assurance Framework in making tough decisions. The presentation will outline the distinct but connected aspects of governance and operations that are required for success. Presenters will demonstrate how Engagement enables authentic and relevant stakeholder input; strategic planning and direction; policy development; and management of fiscal resources. Key takeaways from this session will include realistic and relevant examples and ideas for other Boards to reference and use.

Presenters:

• Dr. Lorraine Stewart, Board Chair, Parkland School Division
• Jill Osborne, Vice-Chair
• Trustees: Aileen Wagner, Aimee Hennig, Anne Montgomery, Eric Cameron
• Shauna Boyce, Superintendent of Parkland School Division

Indigenous Voice and Choice in School Board Governance

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 201

This interactive session will focus on first-hand experience of collaboratively developing structures and processes with Indigenous rightsholders in Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools. A panel discussion will explore what education for reconciliation means in action and as a governance structure. Respecting the oral traditions of four Nations, participants will hear about lessons learned, honouring the Truth, teaching the Truth and reflecting honestly on “then” and “now” journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. With Indigenous voice at the governance table, the Board of Trustees are committing to strengthening partnerships with four Nations, finding solutions to language revitalization and removing barriers in pursuit of a land-based education approach.  The interactive panel conversation will allow for the audience to engage and reflect on their own journeys towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Presenters:

• Joline Mearon-Bull, Indigenous Trustee
• Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild IPC, CM, FP, KC, LLD (Hon)
• Karen Becker, Board Chair, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools
• Mike Wake, Superintendent, Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools
• Jordan Tinney, Governance Consultant

Coming Together

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 201

This interactive workshop will demonstrate how a systematic change in Medicine Hat Public Schools’ approach has led to nearly 65% growth in the number of students who self-identify within the school division and how the largest high school in the school division in transitioning away from cultural appropriation. Presenters will show how they have set the stage through a variety of classroom presentations, staff professional learning and a series of partnerships to pursue the Calls to Action. This presentation will provide a map of the journey the growing team has taken and share plans for their future ambitious goals.  With the support of the Board of Trustees and their commitment to deepening the system understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, they are making a difference in the outcomes for our First Nation, Metis and Inuit youth and helping the community become a more accepting place.

Presenters:

• Shirley Boomer, First Nations, Metis & Inuit Support Worker, Medicine Hat Public Schools
• Courtney Lagasse, First Nations, Metis & Inuit Support Worker, Medicine Hat Public Schools
• Darrell Willier, First Nations, Metis & Inuit Education Coordinator, Medicine Hat Public Schools

Leading Change: Working Towards Racial equity in Canadian Classrooms

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 205

This session will share how the CSBA, in partnership with the University of Regina, has committed to leading work in school boards across Canada as part of its Anti-Racism commitment. In this interactive workshop, school board trustees, K-12 educational leaders and policy makers will be invited to imagine and commit to a more racially just Canada. The workshop will provide participants opportunities to engage with, evaluate, and advance key ideas and actions in support of anti-racism. Through a series of interactive exercises, participants will explore the urgency for anti-racist action in Canadian classrooms, barriers to anti-racist work in schools, and ways an anti-racist lens changes (for the better) influences how we see students. The workshop will be participatory, interactive, and informal, utilizing small group discussions, anonymous feedback loops, and mini lecture presentations to gauge self-awareness of bias and privilege, introduce and evaluate buzzwords around anti-racism, and further opportunities for participants to explore and build on thinking and commitments to end racial prejudice in Canadian school systems.

Presenters:

• Donna H. Swapp, PhD, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, University of Regina
• Michael Cappello, PhD, Associate Dean (Acting), Student Services and Undergraduate Programs, University of Regina
• Kamogelo Amanda Matebekwane, Ph.D. Student, Centre for Educational Research, Collaboration, and Development, University of Regina

Leveraging Game-Based Learning and Community Connection

Location: Second floor of Kinnear Centre – Room 203

This interactive session will showcase the Calgary Board of Education’s partnership with Microsoft Education Canada and the City of Calgary to engage students in future planning through community design. The “Level Up, Calgary!” challenge has revealed the true power of digital citizenship to inspire students to move beyond screens and help solve complex problems in their communities. Participants will learn about the playbook design allowing school boards to leverage free game-based technology and key considerations for building purposeful partnerships with community. Participants will also be provided the opportunity to consider the strategic use of resources and key partnerships to build purposeful student connections with their local communities.

Presenter:

Joanne Pitman, Superintendent of School Improvement, Calgary Board of Education