Urgent Update: John Diefenbaker School’s Leadership Model Boosts Student Success

UPDATE: The Saskatchewan Rivers School Board has confirmed significant advancements in student achievement through a new leadership model presented by the John Diefenbaker School delegation during a board meeting on September 8, 2023. This timely initiative aims to enhance instructional leadership and has already shown promising results in improving literacy outcomes for students.

During the urgent meeting, Principal Jenna Cross, literacy support coach Danielle Poulin, and literacy consultant Kristin Bates shared their school’s transformative journey towards creating effective learning communities. Superintendent Jennifer Hingley emphasized that when school leaders receive robust professional development resources, they can effectively implement innovative strategies tailored to their school context.

“This leadership model is centered around clear learning targets for both students and staff,” Hingley explained. The model has equipped teachers with the necessary tools to support ongoing learning, ultimately driving success in student outcomes.

One of the critical components of this model is the integration of Educational Associates (EAs) into the school’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) days. Hingley noted that this inclusive approach ensures all staff members are aligned and working toward common goals, fostering a culture of collective efficacy. “That’s what you see evidence of – teachers, leaders, and educational systems collaborating to support student learning,” she stated.

The John Diefenbaker School has demonstrated measurable success, particularly among Middle Years students, who have historically posed challenges in literacy improvement. The school has strategically focused on enhancing Grade 8 students’ skills to prepare them for high school demands. Hingley reported notable improvements in reading scores, showcasing the effectiveness of their targeted strategies.

As part of the yearly School Learning Improvement Plan (LIP) update, Hingley highlighted the importance of sharing success stories from different schools. This year, John Diefenbaker was chosen for its exemplary leadership model, which serves as a benchmark for other schools in the division.

Hingley stated, “I use it every year. To have that school story, it was their decision to highlight the pieces that they wanted to emphasize.” Each school presents specific strategies that have led to improved student achievement, and the board is eager to see the continued impact of these initiatives.

The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division remains committed to enhancing educational outcomes through innovative leadership and collaboration. As this story develops, stakeholders are encouraged to watch for further updates on the implementation and impact of these educational strategies.

For more details or inquiries, contact Michael Oleksyn at [email protected].