October 2009 – Elementary: Leading Student Achievement: Our Principal Purpose

In October of 2009, Elementary school principals gathered to begin year 5 of the Leading Student Achievement project. Each of the Ontario principals' associations gave a brief introduction to the day.

Following the introductions, Dr. Steven Katz spoke on the topic of building and connecting learning communities. He discussed the importance of implementation of learning communities, and shares some research findings of working together.

Next, Mary Jean Gallagher thanked the participants in the LSA project for the work they're doing in their schools. She also described the importance of students having critical thinking strategies, and reaching all students.

Dr. Ken Leithwood was unable to attend the conference, but a pre-recorded video was shown where he presented the evolution of the project, and the recommendations for this year based on the results of the project evaluation.

Dr. Steven Katz discusses the topic of building and connecting learning communities. He describes that it is not just about working together, but it's the kind of working together that matters.

Video Segment:

Building and Connecting Learning Communities

 

Mary Jean Gallagher, Assistant Deputy Minister, Student Achievement Division, Ontario Ministry of Education

Mary Jean Gallagher thanks the participants in the LSA project for the work they're doing in their schools. She also describes the importance of students having critical thinking strategies, and of improving teaching so that all students are reached. She also states that all schools need to be generating these results.

Video Segment:

Mary Jean Gallagher

 

Dr. Ken Leithwood, OISE/University of Toronto

Dr. Ken Leithwood reminds participants of the basic goal of the LSA project and talks about the evolution of LSA priorities. He then highlights the recommendations for this year in the LSA project, which are based on the results of the previous year's evaluation.

Video Segment:

What the Results Mean for the Next Phase of the Project