Student voice key driver in supporting achievement and well-being

Details about who TDSB students are, their school experiences, relationships at school, physical health and emotional well-being are all part of the 2017 Student and Parent Census.

More than 220,000 students and parents completed the census to provide a comprehensive picture of who our students are. This rich data allows the TDSB to respond directly to student and parent voices to develop strategies and adjust supports to better help students’ achievement and well-being.

In line with the 2012 Census, parent data was positive overall showing a majority of parents of students in JK to Grade 6 felt welcome in their child’s school, respected, that rules were applied fairly, that their child receives the support they need and that they’re satisfied with their child’s education.

Most students reported feeling accepted, safe in school and that teachers have high expectations of success. Students from Grades 4 to 12 generally felt their schools were friendly and welcoming, that rules were applied fairly and that both their peers and teachers respected their backgrounds. Compared to the 2012 Census, students’ general perceptions of teachers were about the same, but fewer Grade 7-12 students felt encouraged or supported. Well-being results demonstrated an incremental decline from the elementary grades to high school as students reported feeling less physically active, having less sleep on school nights and an increase in screen time; a trend that is consistent with national and international data.

Work to review and address this data is already underway. Each of the TDSB’s 582 schools uses their school-specific data to help inform decisions that directly impact and benefit their own unique community. At the system level, this data demonstrates trends that the TDSB can address through targeted support such as professional learning for staff, enhancing communication with students through the development of a Student Concern Protocol, for example, and establishing partnerships to enhance well-being programs and initiatives.

Read the 2017 Student and Parent Census

Spotlight: Parents overwhelmingly satisfied with their child's school experience