School Learning Focus Post | Palmer Secondary 2026-2027 |
Learning Focus for the 2026-2027 | As a school community, we will strengthen student literacy by building students' capacity to read, write, communicate, think critically, and make meaning across all curricular areas. Building on our 25/26 literacy focus from last year, we will deepen school-wide literacy practices while strengthening literacy in particular for our grade 8 students. |
Evidence-Informed Rationale (WHY) | Literacy is foundational to student success across every subject area. Building on our previous 25/26 literacy focus, we will continue to use assessment evidence, classroom observations, student work, and student voice to better understand learner strengths and learning gaps. Our focus will be on identifying where students require additional support and ensuring that literacy instruction is responsive, inclusive, and accessible. Particular attention will be given to the literacy needs of our grade 8s. |
Priority Learners | While strengthening literacy for all students, particular attention will be given to grade 8 students as we continue to build on last year's literacy work. Our priority learners are our grade 8 learners as they transition from elementary school, and as they move towards their grade 9 year. |
Baseline Data | We will use available literacy assessment data, classroom-based assessments, school-based assessments, student work, teacher observations, student voice, and other relevant evidence of learning to establish our baseline and identify patterns, strengths, and areas requiring improvement. Baseline evidence will also help us better understand the experiences and literacy needs of our learners. |
Action Statement (HOW) | As educators, we will intentionally embed effective literacy strategies across all classrooms and subject areas. Through collaboration and shared professional learning, staff will identify, implement, and reflect on practices that strengthen reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, communication, critical thinking, and students' ability to demonstrate understanding. We will strengthen cross-curricular supports for our grade 8 learners, use evidence to identify students requiring targeted support, and continue developing consistent, equitable, inclusive assessment practices that provide meaningful feedback and support growth. |
Intended Impact (SO WHAT) | Students will demonstrate increased confidence, competence, and independence as readers, writers, communicators, and critical thinkers. Students will be better able to access curricular content, communicate understanding, and transfer literacy skills across subject areas. |
Evidence of Impact (HOW WE WILL KNOW) | We will look for evidence of growth through literacy assessment information, classroom assessments, student work, teacher observations, student reflection and voice, and evidence gathered across curricular areas. Evidence will be reviewed collaboratively to determine progress and inform next instructional steps. |
Alignment Statement | This focus aligns with Strategic Plan Priority #1: Success for All Learners. Strengthening literacy provides students with essential skills to engage meaningfully in learning and supports more equitable outcomes, particularly for learners who have historically experienced barriers. |
School Learning Story
Our school's learning story demonstrates how our school community is working to improve learning and well-being for students. This ongoing commitment is driven by a continuous focus on enhancing student achievement and enriching students’ experiences at school. Our efforts are guided by district’s strategic plan and the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Framework for Enhancing Student Learning policy. This is our collective learning journey, and reflects our shared commitment to growth, collaboration and continuous improvement in support of student success.
Our Focus
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Our Evidence
Here, we present the data and observations that shape our understanding of student learning and well-being. Through assessments, classroom observations, and staff reflections, we gather meaningful insights that help us track progress, and ensure that our approaches are making a difference for students.
Our Actions
This section highlights the concrete steps we take to support our school’s learning goals. From instructional strategies to school-wide initiatives, we document the ways we put our focus into practice. By fostering a collaborative approach, we ensure that our actions lead to meaningful improvements in student success and well-being.
