Policies, Programs, Guidelines and Practices
Area of Focus 1
Goal
As an administrator I am aware of and understand the specific board and Ministry policies related to Equity and Inclusive Education (EIE).
Intended Outcome
An inclusive school community is committed to serving all its members by incorporating the principles of Equity and Inclusive Education into all aspects of its operations, structures, policies, programs, procedures, guidelines and practices.
First Phase : Emerging Practice
Indicator
The administrator :
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can speak to the policy requirements;
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has awareness of new issues, and policies and their potential impact;
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has awareness of the impact of the policy requirements in the daily functionality of the school environment; and,
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has awareness of EIE principles within the Board and School Improvement Plan.
Second Phase : Embedded Practice
Goal
As an administrator I review existing schools policies and practices to ensure that they reflect and support board and Ministry EIE policies and invite greater staff and community involvement.
Indicator
The administrator, with consultation from the school team and the community:
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facilitates involvement with Ministry, Community organizations (e.g. First Nations, Metis, Inuit, Diverse Learners, Religious Organizations) and system level committees in order to consider and reflect school voice in the planning and implementation process;
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establishes clear and transparent procedures which encourage input from a variety of community members (e.g. surveys, open and ongoing feedback, dialogue, and exit tickets).
Third phase : Integration and Renewal
Goal
The school culture is such that members, including students, staff, parents and the broader community regularly review, can speak to, and promote the needs of the community to ensure that related policies and practices support EIE principles.
Indicator
The administrator, with consultation from the school team :
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ensures regular and purposeful review and implementation of current practices and policies with EIE principles in mind (e.g. Code of Conduct, Co-Curricular, School Improvement, Safe School Implementation, Anti-bullying, Religious Accommodations);
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ensures presence and thoughtful consideration of student, staff, parent, and community input during review process.
Resources
Parents in Partnership – A Parent Engagement Policy for Ontario Schools
A Safe and Welcoming School Environment
Information for parents about the Accepting Schools Act (Bill 13)
Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy 2009
Equity and Inclusive Education in Ontario: Guidelines for Policy Development and Implementation 2014
Greater Equity Means Greater Student Success
Equity and Inclusive Education Quick Facts
Human Rights 101 e-learning module
Equity and Inclusive Education: Going Deeper
Ontario Education Services Corporation: Equity and Inclusive Education Initative
Equity Policy Analysis: Ontario School Districts
Promising Practice

1. School Improvement Plan should include student well-being as a goal.
2. Board website should include training, resources, and shared information regarding positive school climate, LGBT, mental health, safe schools, and FNMI education.
3. School Code of Conduct should be reviewed every three years in consultation with a committee that includes membership from staff, student population (senior and junior), and parents and which accurately represents the diversity of the school.
Reflective Questions
Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF)
Alignment with the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF) :
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Setting Direction (Communicating the vision and goals);
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Securing Accountability (Meeting the demands for external accountability);
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Personal Leadership Resources (Proactivity).
On this page :
First Phase : Emerging Practice
Second Phase : Embedded Practice
1.1 How do we know that EIE principles are being embedded in school policies, guidelines, programs, and classroom practices to support student achievement and well-being?
1.5 What are we doing to support the successful implementation of the EIE strategy and build system capacity (e.g., by addressing assumptions about diversity and student learning)?
1.4 In what ways do our board and school improvement plans and review processes demonstrate a commitment to the eight EIE areas of focus?
1.6 How well do the practices of the board and school (e.g., practices related to classroom and wall displays, instruction and assessment, communications, school events/speakers, contents of the library, parent engagement, and student discipline) convey support for EIE principles?
1.3 How effective are our employment practices at supporting equitable hiring, mentoring, retention, promotion, and succession planning?