Educating Tomorrow’s Citizens Today Area IV Renewal

Ward/Area Trustees Carol Bazinet Wards 9 &12 Nancy Close Wards 11 & 13 Pat Cochrane Wards 8 & 9 George Lane Wards 6 & 7

Description of Our Communities 58/196 communities in Calgary Approximate boundaries: - 16 Ave. & Bow River North - City limits West - Glenmore Trail South - Barlow Trail East

Description of Our Communities – Area IV

Community Characteristics Relative to other Areas (based on 2004 Simera Strategy Group System Audit Report) Highest family income >$100,000 Second lowest income levels <$50,000 Fewer than 1 child/family Lowest religious affiliation - 26% Percentage Post Graduates (college & university) – 46 %

Our CBE Area IV Education System 43 schools (approx. 16,500 students) - 25 elementary schools - 4 elementary/junior highs - 4 junior high schools - 1 junior/senior high school - 6 senior high schools - 2 special setting schools - 34 special ed. classes/programs

Our CBE Area IV Education System Approaches to the Program of Studies:  French Immersion (5 locations)  Spanish  Programme International  Montessori  W.H. Cushing Workplace  National Sport Development - Hockey & Life Skills  Alternative High School  Cbe-Learn  Fine and Performing Arts Certificate (4 High School locations)  International Baccalaureate  National Sport Academy  National Sport School  Piitoayis Family School  Career Pathways  Juno Beach, Academy of Canadian Studies

Characteristics of the Students We Serve Relative to other Areas: Provincial Achievement Test results range from first to third highest in grades Assessed Choice Area for International students (Area IV has 142 out of the 429 attending the Calgary Board of Education) Second highest aboriginal population Choice area for many refugee families – Connaught – ESL Centre of Teaching and Learning The lowest market share - 54% (city average of 62.8%)

Working together to Reclaim market share by: Getting the right programs in the right places including provision of schools in the suburbs to the west Improving public relations Addressing some of the highest needs population in the city.

Alignment Align School and Area work with CBE and Provincial goals Accountability Ensure academic excellence within the Area. Achievement Analyze data and related strategies for continuous improvement in academics and citizenship Attitude Ensure quality stakeholder relationships. Lead, advise, coach, manage and mentor principals, assisted principals, specialists, and Area IV staff Working Together to Communicate our world class quality education through:

Area IV Outcomes: 1: All students demonstrate improvement in academic success 2: Students balance their individual concerns with the rights and needs of others. 3: Students who reside in Area IV choose the Calgary Board of Education as their school system of choice. 4: Students learn within an environment that nurtures their specific needs and interests. 5: Students develop the skills and responsibilities for working and contributing with others.

Summary of Strategies StrategyPerformance Target DateProgress comments Staff development is based on School Development and Renewal Planning Staff development is centred on identified Student Outcomes OngoingAll schools demonstrate alignment of professional development with student outcome strategies Develop a Campus-Concept model at appropriate dual sites All students learning needs are met through greater diversity of teaching and effective use of resources campus models are in place with three others being established Establish a GATE programPrograms are provided for the full spectrum of learners Grade 4-6 Gate program is established with provisions to expand to grade 8 Expand the ESL Centre of Literacy to include Mount Royal Junior High Provide a culturally enriched program for Grades K Mount Royal is in consultation with Connaught and the ESL team about programming Establish Programme International schools Schools will establish this ethos The quality standard for this program are in the developmental stages Board Ends E- 2: Each student will possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for academic success and be effectively prepared for life, work and further learning. Outcome 1: All students demonstrate improvement in academic success.

Summary of Strategies StrategyPerformance Target DateProgress comments Analyze the Special Education programming needs for long- term sustainability All special needs students will receive programs suited to their needs 2006Data is being gathered and analyzed Several Area IV schools implement Programme International Orientation Implementation schools involved Support professional development to build capacity for behavioural diversity All teachers have the capacity to adjust programming for student diversity Ongoing Board Ends E- 5: Each student will possess the character to do what is right, act morally with wisdom and balance individual concerns with the rights and needs of others. Outcome 2: Students balance their individual concerns with the rights and needs of others

Summary of Strategies StrategyPerformance Target DateProgress comments Establish Career Pathways in each Area IV High School 10% increase in student readiness for post secondary or career 2007 All high schools have an Implementation plan in place. Two pathways have been officially approved Expand program choice:  Spanish program Traditional Learning Centre Arts ethos in a Junior High Programs are developed and successful Spanish program opens at Westgate School for Grade K – 1 in Sept.2006 Develop and use Exit SurveysAll students will have opportunity to provide input about their educational experiences 2006Provided for students in June 2006 Incorporate a higher profile of technology integration with learning 2006 Develop public relations strategies for Area IV schools 2006Presentation to all Area IV Principals by Dr. Steven Holmes Board Ends E- 1: Each student, in keeping with his or her individual abilities and gifts will complete High School with a foundation of learning to function effectively in life, work and further learning Outcome 3: Students who reside in Area IV choose the Calgary Board of Education as their school system of choice.

Summary of Strategies Board Ends E- 4 Each student will acquire the skills, attitudes and knowledge to achieve personal highest potential Outcome 4: Students learn within an environment that nurtures their specific needs and interests StrategyPerformance Target DateProgress comments Identify appropriate Area IV Alternative programs and school ethos Area IV will have an appropriate array of program choice available within the Calgary Board of Education OngoingEstablished: GATE Spanish Establish a Traditional Learning Centre in an existing school To address our public request for an initiation aim school ethos 2007Review of potential sites Retain, recruit and refer Area IV students Increase our market share of Area IV students 2007 Build capacity for differentiated teaching practices All teachers will have access to Professional Development Leadership Interest Group established on “Improving Teacher Practice” Fill or consolidate low enrolment programs and schools Reach an 85% capacity rate in sectors 6 and 7 Ongoing

Summary of Strategies Board Ends E- 3: Each student will be a responsible citizen by being an informed and involved member in his or her local, national and global communities Outcome 5: Students develop skills and responsibilities for working and contributing with others. StrategyPerformance Target DateProgress comments Build capacity in the stewardship of resources School staff will have the capacity for implementing all school programs and processes 2005 Ongoing Regular skill building sessions with our school finance personnel Develop Interest Groups made up of school administrators that facilitate Area Renewal School administrators play a major role in the development of the Area Renewal Plan 2005Interest group mandate address Area and School Renewal strategies Develop an agreed upon set of guiding principles All functions will be carried out in a professional manner 2005Guiding principals established for the principal and Assistant Principals in Area IV

Summary of Area IV Priorities World class quality education system of choice based on alignment, accountability, achievement and attitude Where diverse student needs are met through program development, building of new schools and consolidation or modernization of existing schools