The National Quality Institute Progressive Excellence Program

Canadian Excellence in Education Program

The Canadian Excellence in Education program was developed in partnership with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and the National Quality Institute (NQI).  Extensive research and exemplary educational practices, as well as the NQI Canadian Quality Criteria for Public Sector Excellence, served as the foundation for the design of the program.

"Current changes in education are motivated by the need to increase levels of student achievement so that children and youth can acquire the knowledge, skills and values that they need to become responsible members of society." (From the Mission Statement of TDSB.) These changes will address schools' responsibility to improve student learning and the public's demand for accountability.  This approach assists schools to build a culture of continuous improvement while responding to the individual needs of students, staff, parents and the community is critical.

The Canadian Excellence in Education Program serves as a template for schools (Kindergarten to Grade 12) to continually strive for excellence and gain recognition for their accomplishments in student and school attainments.  The program is a model for organizational change and provides a comprehensive and practical approach for all stakeholders.  It captures not just quantitative data but the more important qualitative results that appropriately reflect the progress of achievement on the journey to excellence.

By using the Canadian Excellence in Education program criteria, schools will learn to use assessments measuring their progress and to develop the necessary skills to build a focused approach to school improvement.

The Canadian Excellence in Education Program provides a framework that integrates a set of six key educational elements.  These interdependent factors must be viewed holistically for significant improvement and for organizational change to take place.

 Schools can apply specific criteria for these key elements in the Canadian Excellence in Education Program, to improve performance and to receive certification.