In the third term last school year and at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, we began scanning our school assessment data and developed a hunch.  

When we compared our results in Literacy and Numeracy, we noticed that our Numeracy results were higher. 

We recognize that while 66% of our students are currently receiving ELL support, 91% of our families speak a language other than, or in addition to, English in the home. 

Not all our students reach the Consolidating level in their language learning, and academic language learning takes at least an average of five to seven years. 

Perhaps focusing on and highlighting successful literacy strategies school-wide will support vocabulary development and comprehension skills in our learners. 

In addition to ELL data showing the number of students receiving support and their current oral language levels, we are also using FSA data.

Considering the 2024-2025 FSA data, 7% of Gr. 4 students who wrote were emerging in Literacy, compared to 2.63% in Numeracy.

Gr. 7 data shows that 10.91% were emerging in Literacy, compared to 3.64% in Numeracy.

We are taking the following actions to achieve the goals of our school learning focus:

• Sharing successful literacy strategies within and across grade groups

• Making literacy instruction more visible in the school and to our learners

• Continuing to identify and support learners through our Resource Team when necessary

• Connecting literacy learning to the Pillars of Literacy

• Using time during Professional Development Days to focus on literacy

• Highlighting literacy learning for our parents/guardians

• We will look at ELL results, specifically in oral language skills, as this area focuses on vocabulary development. It applies to all ELL learners, K-7. 

• We will also continue to monitor FSA results and compare Literacy and Numeracy results.

Alignment Statement

Our School Learning Focus on strengthening our literacy skills is in alignment with the 2026-2030 Strategic plan, specifically in the areas of Success for all Learners, and Honouring Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  

With a student population of 66% ELL learners, plus 91% of our students indicating a language other than English in the home, targeted in-class as well as pull-out support benefits all learners.