School Development (SD)

The Newfoundland and Labrador School Development model is a systematic approach to change designed to guide and focus a school towards the achievement of its mission to create an environment where all students are engaged and learning.  It is results-oriented, involving collective reflection, data analysis, problem solving, planning, and continuous improvement.

Surrounding the center are the research-based determinants that will enable schools to be effective in their mission. These determinants are interdependent; work in one area will often result in improvement in many areas. The documents for each determinant contains information, data sources and possible questions to guide discussions in schools.

 

 To access individual PDF files click on each determinant contained in the table below.

Instructional Practice Evidence-based Decision Making
Collective Efficacy Assessment Practice
Optimal Learning Environments Teachers as Learners
Wellness and Positive Relationships  

 

School administrators, along with the school development team and the Director of Schools, determine the best approach through which to engage staff in examining their current practices.

School teams will analyze data to identify one to two strategic issues which are preventing them from achieving their mission of creating an environment where all students are engaged and learning. These strategic issues form the foundation of the school development plan.

After deciding on the strategic issue(s) school team(s) then develop, implement and monitor progress on the action plan(s) allowing adjustment of plans as needed.

 

School Development Strategic Action Plan

Schools will use the School Development Strategic Action Plan template to record the strategic issue and document the actions they will use to address the strategic issue(s).
The support plan is an important part of the action plan(s) as schools work to address their strategic issue(s).

Annual School Development Report

At the end of each school year, school administrators are required to complete the Annual School Development Report. This report contains progress to date on the identified strategic issue(s) and next steps as schools work toward improving student engagement and learning for all.

School Development Surveys

School Development surveys are administered annually to students (Grades 3-12), staff and families. The purpose of the surveys is to provide information to schools to support their continuous improvement.

Additional information about these surveys can be found by accessing the document seen here.

Click here for full document

For more information on School Development, contact:

Program Development Specialist for School Development and School Councils:

Patricia Emberley
Evaluation and Research Division
Department of Education
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
Telephone: 709-729-6850
Email: PatriciaEmberley@gov.nl.ca