TDSB Media Release – TDSB releases largest youth census in Canada

Following message is from Ward 3, TDSB Pamela Gough’s Office:

Sent on behalf of Trustee Pamela Gough [I’ve changed Title Case in headings to Lower Case]:

Begin forwarded message:

From: “Bissoondath, Richia” <Richia.Bissoondath@tdsb.on.ca>
Date: 12 February, 2013
Subject: TDSB Media Release – TDSB releases largest youth census in Canada

TDSB releases largest youth census in Canada
Student voices help Board make progress

Today, the Toronto District School Board released findings from the 2011-12 Student Census. Close to 90% – or 103 000 – Grade 7-12 students participated in the Census making the size and scope of its findings important to informing how communities support youth inside and outside the classroom.

Building on its relationships with partners in health and community sectors, the TDSB will use the Census to develop strategies and adjust supports that further strengthen schools and help every student succeed.

The first Grade 7-12 Student Census was conducted in 2006, with several new policies, programs and partnerships introduced as a result of its findings. The success of these initiatives is seen in the 2011 data with 92% of students feeling safe in TDSB classrooms and a 10% increase in the number of students eating lunch daily.

Over the next six months, the TDSB will release detailed analyses of several themes in the 2011-12 Census. This includes a breakdown of Social and Emotional Well-Being data that was included for the first time in the Census and looks at the mental health needs of students across Toronto

Quick Facts

Over 90% of students feel their background is respected by adults in school

83% of TDSB’s Grade 7-8 students have had their eyesight tested; 51% have had their hearing tested which is an increase of 20 percentage points from 2006

Increase of 14 percentage points in parents attending parent/teacher interviews

Model Schools for Inner Cities has reached over 63,000 students

“The power of the Census is that it allows us to hear directly from students about how, where and when we can support them so that we can enable our students to succeed and we can continue to be one of the top school boards in the world.”

– Donna Quan, Director, TDSB

“If you do read what I have wrote, and think one or all of the points are valid, please share my ideas to improve the TDSB and provide the best education possible for Toronto’s youth.”

– Excerpt from a letter from a student respondent 2011

For more information, please contact:

Richia Bissoondath
Communications Coordinator
richia.bissoondath@tdsb.on.ca

[End of media release]

News article

A Feb. 12, 2013 Globe and Mail article highlights results of the census, as does a Feb. 12, 2013 article at the CBC website.

A Feb. 13, 2013 Toronto Star also article addresses the student census.