We live in a time of accountability and data driven decision making. Is there a more authentic source of data than students’ perspective on the lived reality of their school? It never ceases to amaze me what I learn when I talk to students and what transpires from these conversations. The most recent topic of conversation is our Grade 4 students’ perception that CTF is, “exclusionary in a Grade 4-9 middle school”. While certain things such as interschool athletics does actually present a challenge for us with our Grade 4 students, who knew that the Grade 5-9 CTF curriculum would be seen as another source of inequity? There is nothing quite like student voice to provide food for thought and to make you revisit and rethink your actions and assumptions.
Elaine Demcoe enjoys travelling, skiing, golfing and reading but most of all loves spending time with her grand-daughter. She has been a principal of four CBE schools.