Student Achievement Plan

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Celebrating Success and Advancing Student Achievement

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), students are at the heart of every decision we make. Guided by our Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), we are committed to creating learning environments where every student feels safe, valued, supported in their well-being, and inspired to achieve. By fostering strong relationships, high expectations, and equitable opportunities, we ensure every learner is prepared for their future and leaves DDSB ready to pursue their chosen pathway with dignity, purpose, and choice.

Understanding the Student Achievement Plan (SAP)

The Student Achievement Plan (SAP) is a provincial requirement under the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act (2023). Each year, every Ontario school board develops and shares a plan that identifies how it will improve outcomes for all students.

To ensure consistency and clarity across Ontario, the Ministry of Education provides a common template that each board uses to report measurable goals, key actions, and progress indicators.

The Ministry of Education Student Achievement Plan framework is built on three core priorities:

  • Core Academic Achievement - Ensuring all students build strong foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and other core academic areas.
  • Preparation for Future Success - Equipping every student with the skills, experiences, and supports needed to confidently transition to their next step –  whether postsecondary studies, apprenticeship, employment, or community contributions.
  • Engagement and Well-Being - Creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments where every student experiences belonging, connection, and support for their mental health and well-being.

In addition to the Ministry template, DDSB has created a complementary Student Achievement Plan that provides clear direction for our system. This local plan:

  • Identifies the evidence-based instructional strategies we expect to see in every classroom to improve student achievement, well-being, and equity.
  • Integrates the DDSB Milestones for Success ensuring that classroom practices help students meet and exceed key developmental and academic milestones.
  • Includes qualitative measures of the student experience, ensuring that our work reflects how students are experiencing belonging, well-being, and success in their classrooms and schools.
Next Steps

This year, DDSB will:

  • Contextualize School Achievement Plan data with local evidence to identify trends and emerging needs.
  • Analyze school-level results to provide targeted supports where they will have the most impact.
  • Amplify student and family input to inform continuous improvement and better understand progress toward key DDSB Milestones.
  • Examine attendance and engagement to ensure every student remains connected to meaningful learning opportunities.
  • Embed evidence-based strategies from the DDSB School Achievement Plan into classrooms to create consistent, high-quality practices in literacy, numeracy, well-being, and inclusive learning environments.
  • Align School Achievement Plan actions with the MYSP to drive measurable, sustained improvement across the system.
Your Voice Matters

Achieving our vision for students is a shared commitment. We value the voices of students, families, staff, and community members. You can:

  • Share your ideas through our online feedback form below - coming soon!
  • Connect with your school principal to learn more about how this work is being implemented locally.

Together, we are building inclusive, engaging, and high-performing learning environments where every DDSB student can thrive—today and into the future.

DDSB Student Achievement Plan - Questions or Suggestions