From closing math gaps to AI literacy: HPEDSB reports measurable progress on strategic plan priority areas
Now that the mid-point of the school year has arrived, the Board is proud to share the noteworthy progress being made on the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Measurable progress is being made in all four priority areas:
- Strengthening Foundational and Real-World Skills
- Advancing Indigenous Education and Reconciliation
- Fostering Critical Thinking, Adaptability and Innovation
- Promoting Citizenship, Well-Being and Safe Environments
This work is supported by ongoing monitoring and data-driven practices being used in classrooms throughout the district.
"We are at a point where we’re transitioning from strategic intent to measurable system-wide impact,” said Dr. Kari Kramp, Chair of the Board. “Our goal is to illustrate how our strategic investments are reaching students—whether that is closing achievement gaps in math, embedding Indigenous knowledge, engaging in responsible AI integration, or fostering safer schools through our ‘Words Matter’ campaign. By prioritizing evidence-based practices, HPEDSB is inspiring and educating students for a bright future," she added.
Strategic plan progress highlights
Commitment to improving outcomes in math and literacy
Under the strategic priority of Strengthening Foundational and Real-World Skills, students are achieving year-over-year gains on provincial assessments. These results are a direct result of the Board prioritizing evidence-based teaching practices and ensuring staff deploy the necessary resources.
For example, learning partners and coaches are actively working in schools to enhance teacher capacity in literacy and numeracy practices. This is resulting in upward trends in reading, writing and math achievement.
Commitment to reconciliation
Under the strategic priority of Advancing Indigenous Education and Reconciliation, HPEDSB is refining the approach to classroom instruction through targeted professional learning that increases staff confidence.
For example, reconciliation is an active, daily practice in classrooms. This includes empowering staff to feel confident in teaching and learning Indigenous history, and supporting Indigenous students. In addition, Indigenous Student Success coaches are providing intensive credit rescue and personalized support to dismantle barriers and support Indigenous learners to graduate.
A parent's perspective: What success looks like for her daughter
Good evening. I just wanted to take a moment to share the positive impact that the Indigenous Student Success team has had on my daughter and on our family. For Luce school has not always been a place where she felt she fully belonged or was understood. Like many Indigenous students, she has carried challenges that go beyond academics. Challenges connected to identity, confidence and feeling seen. The Indigenous Student Success team has provided not just support, but genuine care and understanding. Through their guidance, encouragement and advocacy Luce has gained understanding in herself and her abilities. She feels supported as a whole person, not just as a student. Knowing there's a team that respects her identity, listens to her voice and provides, sorry, believes in her potential, has made a meaningful difference in her motivation and well being. They've consistently gone above and beyond, providing advocacy, systems navigation, and ongoing social and emotional support, not just to Luce, but myself, well, navigating complex systemic issues, trying to find individualized solutions that address her needs.
As a parent, I cannot overstate how reassuring it has been to know that my child has trusted adults at a school, who are working alongside her, celebrating her strengths and helping her to navigate challenges in a culturally safe, respectful way. The support has helped her to stay engaged, feel proud of who she is and believe that her future is full of possibility.
I am deeply grateful for the work that you do every day. Your commitment is changing lives, strengthening families and creating pathways for Indigenous students to succeed on their own terms. So thank you for everything that you do for my daughter.
Commitment to preparing students for a rapidly-changing world through innovation and AI
Under the strategic priority of Fostering Critical Thinking, Adaptability and Innovation, students are learning how to think critically and to appropriately use digital tools.
For example, educators are helping students build essential digital literacy and citizenship skills. Artificial intelligence (AI) leads are in place at every school, to guide and support use of AI in classrooms.
Commitment to supporting mental health
Under the strategic priority of Promoting Citizenship, Well-Being and Safe Environments, schools are taking actions to lead transformative change by equipping their entire school community with the resources to reduce the incidence and impact of harmful and discriminatory language within the school community.
For example, Tier 1 training and actions are underway. All schools are participating in the Words Matter campaign which focuses on using respectful, inclusive and identity-affirming language to build a sense of belonging. Educators explicitly teach skills like self-awareness, stress management and relationship building to help students build the mental muscles they need to handle challenges. When students feel safe and respected, their mental health is protected.
"We are moving from ideas to impact. Whether we are closing achievement gaps in math or safely integrating AI, our goal is to demonstrate how Board resources are directly supporting student achievement,” said Kramp.