Elementary
Introducing a New Language Curriculum
In 2023/2024, Ontario released a new Language curriculum for Grade 1-8. Here at Waterloo Catholic District School Board, literacy consultants, administrators, literacy support teachers, and classroom educators have been working together to ensure that our language instruction reflects the updated knowledge, skills, and pedagogies of our new curriculum. We have also been preparing for the implementation of a provincially mandated early reading screening tool to identify students at-risk for early reading difficulties where responsive instruction and intervention will help to develop early foundational skills. This is a continuation of our ongoing work in literacy as we ensure our students are building both foundational skills and critical literacy across the grades, and where we are actively engaging in culturally sustaining literacy pedagogies to ensure all students see themselves represented in the texts and learning materials.
Play-Based Learning and Inquiry in Kindergarten
In the 2023-2024 school year, our focus on play-based learning and inquiry continued across 147 kindergarten classrooms within WCDSB. We provided coaching, professional development opportunities, and new resources to all kindergarten (and NTIP) teachers, DECEs, and planning time teachers. Collaborating with board consultants and professional partners, we emphasized learning through the four frames of the Kindergarten program.
Key initiatives included Math for Young Children, enhanced learning-to-read strategies using resources such as The Phonics Companion, Heggerty, and the Acadience screener, as well as a strong focus on STEM education. The Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program was expanded to kindergarten with new play-based resources, while the Read-Write-Rest program reached more classrooms. We also piloted Stay and Playdays with families. Furthermore, we partnered with the Canadian Education Warehouse and EarlyON Waterloo Region to deliver a robust Welcome to Kindergarten program.
Secondary
WCDSB is dedicated to supporting student literacy success by equipping educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement intentional programming, close literacy gaps, foster culturally relevant and responsive texts in all language and literacy programs 9-12, and utilize evidence-based, high-impact instructional strategies. This holistic approach is geared towards creating an enriched literacy and language learning environment in all secondary schools.
Key initiatives include:
- Appointment of Literacy team teachers at each secondary site, actively engaged at the student desk, closing literacy skill gaps in de-streamed classrooms.
- Targeted initiatives to address foundational language and literacy gaps through a mix of evidence-based whole group, small group, and one-to-one instruction practices.
- Supporting the selections of texts that are equitable, culturally responsive and relevant to ignite a joy in reading and enhance language and literacy skills.
