Black Student Success Strategy: explicit implementation of strategic support and approaches tailored to improve the outcomes of Black students

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been work done over the past two years by the Peel District School Board (PDSB) as it undergoes major changes to its: practices, programs, and policies.

It has systematically put structures in place to ensure that the19 Ministry directives are implemented under the board-appointed supervisor Rodrigues whose terms come to an end soon.

One of the most positive developments was the launch of the We Rise Together 2.0 Black Student Success Strategy (BSSS) at the Peel District School Board Head Office. It was on June 22^nd, 2022, that the BSSS was submitted at the PDSB’s Board meeting. Yonnette E. Dey, System Superintendent of Equity, Community Leadership, Partnership and Engagement, and Dr.Camille Logan, Associate Director, School Improvement & Equity, Curriculum & Instruction, Student & Community Engagement prepared it.

Details of the BSSS can be seen on the: African, Black, African Canadian Committee Update # 3 at the PDSB’s website: www.peeldsb.com. On January 26^th, 2022, the information was presented to the PDSB regarding the progress of the BSSS. The Black Community Alliance led to the formation of a working group that tackled diverse aspects, issues, concerns and challenges that arose. It was able to inform changes throughout all aspects the organization. An integral part of the formulation of the BSSS was community consultation, which guided the developmental process, as well as the Turner Consulting Group, a third-party consultant which was involved in its final development.

The systematic process involved in the development of the BSSS includes:

• Integrating the experiences of Black Canadians into the curriculum
• Fostering anti-racist learning and working environments
• Continuing engagement with the Black community
• Inspiring and supporting Black students’ success
• Hiring and supporting more Black staff

There are four specific actionable things that will be part of the next step which are:

1. Development of an implementation plan

The BSSS is a five-year strategic plan from 2022-2027. This will be developed to specify the work that will be undertaken during the 2022-2023 school year.

2. Communication plan

A plan will be developed to communicate the strategy through the broader PDSB school community and also within the Board.

3. Accountability framework

Use of Student Census data to analyze and monitor Black student achievement and wellbeing by PDSB Administrative and Senior staff

4. Centre of Black excellence

Coordinated effort by corporate staff and academic staff will establish a Centre of Black Excellence with input from the Black Community Alliance members.

Two important aspects of the BSSS are: Impact Analysis and Community Impact. The

Impact Analysis was done through an Equity and Human Rights lens to ensure that: there are specific expectations established for all staff, explicit implementation of strategic support and approaches tailored to improve the outcomes of Black students and to improve access to safe and culturally relevant, meaningful and responsive learning environment, and the equitable application of human rights code that involves: anti-colonial, anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices.

Community impact is highlighted as a basis to build trust in the process of system transformation that is community-referenced and co-developed with community and student voice. There will be continual interaction with the Black community to ensure engagement is optimized.