Page 25 - AMDSB DAR 2018-2019

The learning artefact documenting the development of critical thinking skills of a South Huron grade 9 Science class outlined their creation of Eco-Exeter (“Away from pollution, towards solutions”), their not-for-profit organization which is targeting their community’s commitment to the environment. Through their learning about critical thinking, Ms. Keller and her grade 9 students founded this student-led initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in their local grocery stores. Students presented their learning and ideas for change to their South Huron and AMDSB peers as well as local municipal and provincial politicians. These students also partnered with other local climate and environment agencies to launch a green produce bag initiative which can be seen throughout the Huron area. This student work has gained international recognition from the NPDL global organization and has spread across the AMDSB district, resulting in other student environmental groups forming in several other schools.
The collective work from AMDSB educators was also highlighted in several international publications, including Education Leadership magazine article, “Going Deeper” (Fullan, 2019) and Dive Into Deeper Learning (Fullan, et al. 2019).
Convene a Steering Committee to identify strategies to support enhanced student engagement, achievement and skill development related to creativity, communication, critical thinking or collaboration and planning; developing authentic and rich tasks; and increasing engagement.
Student consultation sessions were hosted on how students would “reimagine learning”. The results indicated that:
• Students care about their education experiences
• Students want agency in their education and learning
environments
• Students want their teachers to care about them and
demonstrate passion for learning
• Students want to have learning opportunities that are
connected to their interests and have real-life applications
• Students are aware of the gap between the learning opportunities they are being offered in schools and their
learning needs to be successful for their futures
This work provided the impetus for the #ShareYourVoice project which followed a similar process with all AMDSB staff groups. The information from the project is being used in the development on the new AMDSB Strategic Plan and will help inform plans as we move forward.
AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD | 2018-2019 Director’s Annual Report | 25