UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
MINUTES
2012 02 07
The Program Committee of Upper Grand District School Board met on Tuesday,
February 7, 2012, in the Boardroom at 500 Victoria Road North, Guelph, commencing at
7:00 p.m.
Trustee Moziar presided, and the following Trustees were present: Borden,
Cooper, Fairbairn, Gohn, Moziar, Schieck, Topping, and Waterston along with Student
Trustees MacDougall and Sampson. Present from administration was Director of
Education Dr. M.C. Rogers and Communications Officer M. McFadzen along with
Superintendents Benallick, Boswell, Morrell, Talbot, and Wright.
AGENDA
Trustee Topping moved that the Agenda be approved as printed, with the
addition of 1 item under “Other”.
The motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Waterston moved that the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday,
January 10, 2012 be approved as printed.
The motion carried.
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS: EMERGIZED
Principal of Program Tracey Lindsay commented on the struggles Boards
across Ontario, including ours, are having in Mathematics. She and an UGDSB team
attended a Ministry workshop last week regarding changing teacher practice and
student attitude when it comes to Mathematics. Ms. Lindsay invited the elementary
Curriculum Leaders to highlight how they have been working with schools in order to
help teachers more effectively impact on student achievement.
Ms. MaryKay Goindi began the PowerPoint presentation by explaining content
of the new math method and how it is delivered at the classroom level by three
different phases of learning; activating prior knowledge, reviewing new ideas, and
meta cognitive reflection. Ms. Goindi gave examples of teaching through different
“insights” of listening, partnering, supporting, strategizing, and problem solving. This
plan has been directed by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat (LNS) and the
Ministry of Education and is embedded into the Board’s elementary math curriculum.
Mr. Mike Anderson highlighted the impact of the program on teachers and students.
The initiative has been spread-out geographically throughout the Board by way of
math hubs, numeracy networks, New Teacher Induction Programs, the Summer
Program Committee Minutes … Page 2
12 02 07
Institute, and various workshops. Ms. Amanda Wells and Mr. Andrew Cloutier,
Teachers at Rockwood Centennial PS, shared their perspective and advised how
multiple strategies, through math manipulatives and other tools, work to engage and
support students to feel confident about their math abilities. Math questions are made
applicable to students lives and can be solved through a variety ways. A video clip of
Grade 3/4 students demonstrated problem solving through student interaction. Mr.
Anderson concluded that Curriculum Leaders have, and will continue to, present the
initiative to colleagues across the Board.
Recommendation #1:
Trustee Waterston moved that this Committee recommend to the Board that the
presentation entitled, “Elementary Mathematics: Energized” be received.
The motion carried.
WHAT’S NEW @ YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARY
Supervisor of Library & Media Services of the Terry James Resource Centre
Michelle Campbell provided information around the implementation of a new vision
into school libraries that encourages the student to engage in learning in different
ways. Through funding by the LNS, the Ontario School Library Association has
published a document entitled, “Together for Learning” that contains ideas to consider
around “Learning Commons”. A Learning Commons is described as a flexible and
responsive approach to help schools focus on learning collaboratively. It expands the
learning experience, taking students and educators into virtual spaces beyond the
walls of a school. However, in the schools, the Learning Commons incorporates the
classroom, the school library, and the Board to connect students to the real and virtual
worlds that are growing and maturing around them. The role of the school library in a
Learning Commons was highlighted. Key components consist of physical spaces
(changing and redefining space to encourage student communication), virtual spaces
(learning available to students outside of school hours), equitable access (through
assistive technology), learning partnerships (collaborative learning between the
student, teacher, and teacher/librarian) and technology in learning (equipment and
software resources for students, i.e. UG2GO). The Learning Commons will continue
to benefit students by providing learning tools and an environment, at school and at
home, conducive to creating empowered learners.
Recommendation #2:
Trustee Borden moved that this Committee recommend to the Board that the
presentation entitled, “What’s New @ Your School Library”, be received.
The motion carried.
Program Committee Minutes … Page 3
12 02 07
OPSBA REPORT- Nil
REPORT FROM STUDENT TRUSTEES
Student Trustee Jordan MacDougall provided a PowerPoint update on recent
Student Trustee activities. The last Student Senate meeting was held on January 17,
2012 where planning for a UGDSB Environmental Leadership Conference took place.
Ms. MacDougall reviewed the purpose of the Conference, along with workshop topics,
and possible dates. It is anticipated that approximately 220 students will attend and
will include involvement from CELP and Headwaters. The next Student Senate
meeting will be held on February 21, 2012.
RECOMMENDATION #3
Trustee Cooper moved that this Committee recommend to the Board that the
Student Trustee presentation be received.
The motion carried.
OTHER
Due to a limited agenda for next week’s Business Operations meeting, Trustee
Borden asked direction from staff regarding cancellation of the meeting. It was agreed
that the meeting be cancelled and the delegation be asked to move to the February 28,
2012 Board Meeting. Staff and the general public will be notified of the change.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Fairbairn moved that this Committee adjourn at 8:40 p.m. to report to the
Board.
The motion carried.
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