May 2009: Leading Student Achievement: Our Principal Purpose
In May of 2009 representatives from the Leading Student Achievement Steering Team welcomed participants to the symposium and restated the important focus of the symposia, which is to refine our learning and build networks.
Following the introduction, Ben Levin began his presentation by stating that progress has been made on three goals: better outcomes, reduced inequities, and public confidence. He also discussed some challenges that require attention.
Peter Levesque then presented on the topic of knowledge mobilization which is a complex process of making what we know ready for service or action to build value.
Mary Jean Gallagher followed, and spoke about year 5 of the LSA project, the Four Pillars of Student Achievement/Student Success, and data relating to student achievement.
The day concluded with a presentation by Dr. Ken Leithwood detailing the components of the evaluation process and his recommendations for moving forward with the project.
Ben Levin, Professor – OISE/University of Toronto
Ben Levin begins his presentation by stating that since January of 2005, 5000 schools have changed in a number of positive ways, and that progress has been made on three goals: better outcomes, reduced inequities, and public confidence. He also points out that teacher morale is up significantly, evidenced by less attrition. He continues by describing what has proved successful and should be continued, and mentioned some challenges that require attention.
Video Segment:
Student Achievement in Ontario: Status and Next Steps
Peter Levesque, PhD?, Director of Systems and Operations – Knowledge Mobilization Works
Peter Levesque begins his presentation with a discussion of knowledge. He goes on to describe the complex process of knowledge mobilizations, which is making what we know ready for service or action to build value. He discusses the difficulties faced with knowledge mobilization, and that the solution is the creation of networks, and the evolution into a learning organization.
Video Segment:
Networking for Knowledge Mobilization
Mary Jean Gallagher, Assistant Deputy Minister, Student Achievement Division, Ontario Ministry of Education
Mary Jean Gallagher states in her presentation that the strategy of the LSA project has proven to be one that is effective and will continue for a 5th year. She also explains that the focus of education in Ontario is K–12, and its foundation is comprised of the Four Pillars of Student Achievement/Student Success: literacy; numeracy; program pathways and supports; and community, culture and caring. She concludes her presentation by outlining the lessons learned in Ontario, the supports and resources available, and the leadership activities in the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat.
Video Segment:
Mary Jean Gallagher
Dr. Ken Leithwood, OISE/University of Toronto
Dr. Ken Leithwood explains that research data and information is knowledge about what to do, but it is left to individuals to develop the knowledge of how to do it, and that this latter form of knowledge is what LSA participants are in the process of developing. He also states that professional learning communities bring people's knowledge together, and from their dialogue, new knowledge is created and procedures are developed. Leithwood then outlines the components of the evaluation process, and his findings.
Video Segment:
LSA Project Evaluation
