Strategic Plan | Durham District School Board

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The Ignite Learning Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) sets the direction for the work of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and guides our collective actions for ongoing student-centered improvement and success. It includes three guiding principles, three strategic priorities and nine strategic objectives.

Guiding Principles: A Foundation for Inclusive Excellence

We recognize and uphold distinct INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
We affirm and uphold HUMAN RIGHTS
We care about and strive to KNOW EACH OTHER

Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2024-2028

The DDSB’s Guiding Principles are rooted in anti-oppression, equity and our responsibilities to uphold Indigenous rights and human rights for everyone. By truly knowing each other, we can better understand the unique experiences and perspectives that enrich our communities.

We have built our strategic directions on these principles so that everyone is treated with dignity and respect and knows that they belong here. These guiding principles help create environments where students, staff and families will flourish through meaningful learning, connected communities and personal and collective well-being.

Strategic Priorities: Igniting Learning, Connection, and Well-Being

The DDSB’s Strategic Priorities and Objectives provides a vision on what we want our schools and District to be in supporting and uplifting students and staff, and the work we need to do to while seeking to build the confidence and trust of families and the public. It represents our continued efforts as we Ignite Learning within the DDSB.

Ignite Learning

We will promote Meaningful Learning by:

• Providing high quality teaching and learning for every student and staff member

• Centering students and matching educational experiences to their interests and goals to prepare them for a changing world

• Recognizing and supporting staff as professionals and collaborators

Ignite Connection

We will promote Connected Communities by:

• Engaging students, families, staff, and community members as valued contributors to our growing community

• Building trust and a shared purpose through listening, communication, and action

• Fostering opportunities to meet, learn from, and inspire each other

Ignite Well-Being

We will promote Well-Being by:

• Creating safe, caring, and respectful environments where people can thrive

• Supporting the physical and mental health of students and staff

• Honouring every individual’s identity and inherent dignity

Explore how these strategic priorities come to life, shaping a future where learning is ignited, connections are deepened, well-being is at the forefront of our collective journey.

What We Heard

We undertook extensive public consultations from May to October 2023, and appreciated hearing the aspirations, priorities, and feedback of students, parents, guardians, caregivers, staff, trustees, partners, unions/federations, leadership associations, advisory and community groups and others community members to shape this direction. You can find a summary of what we heard about each strategic priority below or visit the full consultation report to learn more about how we arrived here.

Meaningful Learning

Teaching and learning should be relevant to students’ lives by better reflecting the world they live in and the values they hold. The focus of the instructional program should be on quality education and transferable skills and competencies to prepare for their future, while moving beyond narrow or usual definitions of learning and success to promote all kinds of learning, both in and out of the classroom. The DDSB should work to recognize, value, and support the different pathways students may take on their journeys.

"What would make school better for me is expanding on more learning of the world and things that actually matter for us to individually, but unitedly learn how to be our best person our own way.” - DDSB Student
“The most important thing is that I and my fellow students have many opportunities to engage in fun, visual and hands-on learning.” - DDSB Student

Connected Communities

There is a need for stronger connection and better communication between home and school, as well as more transparent decision and policy making at the Board level. The DDSB should work to improve communication with community partners to help them better engage with staff, students, and families. There is a desire for a more responsive and efficient method for finding information and communicating with the DDSB.

“It is critical to make connections with students and families in order for students to be successful both academically and non-academically.” - DDSB Staff
“I would like to see more emphasis on curiosity, self-determination and holistic well-being of our students and staff. More time outdoors for everyone, integrating principles of land-based learning and land-connection is a very inexpensive way to focus on curiosity and self-determination.” - DDSB Staff

Well-Being

It is of central importance that school and work environments are safe, healthy and welcoming and honour students and staff as individuals. The DDSB should work to provide support services and opportunities for students with unique needs. Staff mental health and well-being should also be promoted so that they can thrive in the workplace and lead schools, classrooms and teams effectively.

“The most important thing is that my child feels safe and included.” - DDSB Parent
“Do not be afraid to speak your mind. Always be respectful with your delivery, but know your voice is just as important as anyone else's. Just because you are a student, a young teen or teenager, does not mean your opinions and thoughts don't matter. Remember to respect those who are preparing you for the world and ask as many questions as you feel fit.” - DDSB Student

(All quotes posted here were obtained from Students, Staff or Community members in the MYSP Phase 2 Consultation Report, 2023)