School Improvement Planning

Student learning continues to be a priority for staff at Hillsborough Elementary School. The collaborative work done by teachers daily and during weekly team meetings focused on student learning needs. With the use of the provincial “Effective Schools Framework”, staff identified areas of strength and need to help direct the school plans. A structure for allowing 4-6 week intervention blocks was started last year and continued this year. Adjustments were made to ensure all students were making academic progress. Pre and post assessments were used to determine the effectiveness of the interventions. All students showed academic gains in both math and literacy. Working with a district lead teacher helped direct instruction allowing the use of strategies that have the greatest impact for student success.

Technology was also used to support learning. Additional ipads were purchased and used to support both literacy and numeracy outcomes. The computer lab was used daily with a math program that supported grades 3-5 math expectations. Teachers also planned for small group instruction, allowing them to target specific outcomes. Overall gains were noted in the math post data. It was also noted that student engagement level was high.

POSITIVE LEARNING, WORK & ENVIRONMENT PLAN (PLWEP)

Positive behaviour supports continued to be a focus at Hillsborough Elementary school. During the first weeks of school each class developed specific expectations needed to maximize learning for everyone. These were brought together to create the expectations for the entire school. These expectations were taught, including what this looks like within any setting. Classes created visuals (photos) to help teach the expectations, allowing more consistency throughout the school. “Bucket filling” also continued (Your bucket is your emotional self and by using kind words and actions you will fill buckets…your own bucket and the buckets of others! When your “bucket” is full, you are happy and ready to learn.) Data was tracked and it was noted that the number of buckets filled, increased.

Direction for Next year

We will to continue with the technology plan which will increase the use of technology for teachers and students. Additional ipads in the school this year allowed more opportunities to use technology for learning. We hope to increase this next year.

We will continue the work started in the Positive Leaning plan and extend our plan to a school focus/instruction around acceptance and diversity. These are already part of grade curriculums however we want to shine a light on this as a school.

We will continue to monitor student achievement by regularly reviewing student data and addressing needs through targeted interventions. Intervention blocks will continue to be planned and implemented with careful monitoring and staff will continue to adjust and seek out the best ways to teach required outcomes. We will ensure learning for all and celebrate successes!

Quick Launch

ASPR: Hillsborough - 2020-2021