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The first system-wide collection of student demographic (race) data in Toronto can be dated back to 1970 when the former Toronto Board of Education conducted its Every Student Survey (ESS) periodically until the amalgamation in 1998.
The initial mandate (1970) was to answer the question: “Do a disproportionate number of the children of poor people and immigrants go to special classes?”
Board motion - November 2004 That staff in consultation with the OHRC and educational
experts develop research proposals that identify the factors within the school system which may inhibit student achievement. Such factors should include, but not be limited to, differences in gender, race, ethnicity, mother tongue, income and place of residence.
That is, to collect system-wide data in order to understand the demographic backgrounds and the needs of the students served by the amalgamated school board.
Gaining buy-in or political will from the system and the community: Securing support of key staff groups including union
and employee groups Securing trust of students and parents
Sensitivity to questions about family background Concerns about use of the information Human rights, confidentiality and privacy concerns Logistical issues Cost
The Census consists of two main sections:1. Demographics – e.g., ethno-racial background,
socio-economic status, and parents’ place of birth and education
2. Experiences in school and outside of school – e.g., school climate and safety, relationships with school adults, inclusive school experiences, after-school activities, homework, parent involvement, self perception, and post-secondary aspirations
For planning and programming at all three levels – school, Family of School and the system – e.g., SIP and BIP (based on Census School Reports, FOS Reports, and various Research Reports)
For informing and developing progressive policies – e.g. Homework Policy
For providing data to support existing system initiatives - e.g. Equity agenda, Student Success, and Model Schools for Inner Cities
For advocating for and funding of new programs/ services - e.g. Feeding our Future, Beyond 3:30, Vision and Hearing Screening
Feeding Our Future Program (NW7)Feeding Our Future Program (NW7)
68% of students in NW7P do not eat 68% of students in NW7P do not eat breakfast and/or lunch (54%) breakfast and/or lunch (54%) everyday everyday (2006 Student Census)(2006 Student Census)
2-year Pilot Nutrition Program in 4 2-year Pilot Nutrition Program in 4 middle and 3 secondary schools middle and 3 secondary schools (about 5,500 students)- (about 5,500 students)- Universal Universal morning meal programmorning meal program
To improve: students’ health, To improve: students’ health, behaviour, school engagement behaviour, school engagement (attention in class, attendance), and (attention in class, attendance), and achievementachievement
Research finds positive results over Research finds positive results over two yearstwo years
For knowledge transfer with community partners - e.g., Nursing Student Placement initiatives with Ryerson U. and Humber College, Get Active Toronto, the Ministry of Education, and foreign educators
For information sharing with parent groups – e.g., Equity Parent Forum, South Asian Symposium, and East Asian Parent Conference
For further research and analysis to assess diverse student needs, identify gaps, monitor growth, and evaluate existing programs and practices
After considering the value of the initial Student and Parent Census, the Board, in May 2009, decided that the Student and Parent Census “be implemented on a 5-year cycle and that the next [Census] be conducted in school year 2011-12”.
Student Census for Grade 7-12s in November 2011 (“Census Week”)