ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββIn March 2022, the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) will launch the Count Me In LKDSB voluntary student census as directed by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This voluntary student demographic census will collect information to better understand our students and school communities in support of equity, inclusion, student achievement and well-being. This initiative is part of the LKDSB's commitment within its Strategic Priority of βInclusive Diversity: Championing anti-oppressive education."
We understand that many students and parents/guardians may have questions about the collection of demographic information. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below, or share your questions or concerns with your school.
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The LKDSB, with direction from the Ontario Ministry of Education and with support, is conducting a voluntary and confidential student census to gather demographic information (such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.). The Ministry of Education requires that the census questionnaires for student in Kindergarten to Grade 8 be sent to parents/guardians to complete with or on behalf of their child. Students in Grades 9-12 will be provided the link to the census directly and will be provided with classroom time to complete.
The purpose of enhancing data collection and performance measurement is to improve the achievement and well-being of all students and more precisely identify and address systemic barriers and disparities.
The Count Me In LKDSB Student Census will allow LKDSB to better understand the student population it serves and provides direction with the planning and development of policies, procedures and programming that support equitable, inclusive and anti-oppressive education and school environments.
A list of questions to be included in the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census is available here.ββ
All students have the right to an education free of discrimination and barriers. There is historical and ongoing systemic racism, bias connected to colonization and identity-based discrimination in the education system. As educators, we recognize that immediacy of the changes that need to occur. We are working with the Ontario Ministry of Education toward eliminating barriers to equity of access and outcomes for all our students.
Supporting equity requires evidence-based decision making and better understandings of local communities. When we know more about our students and their families, we better serve them, ensure that their needs are met and create conditions where all students realize the promise of public education.
As noted in the Government of Ontario's Anti-Racism Strategic Plan, as of January 1, 2023 all school boards in Ontario are required to collect race-based data.β
It is the policy of the Lambton Kent District School Board to provide the opportunity for First Nation, MΓ©tis, and Inuit parents, guardians, or adult students to voluntarily self-identify as part of the school registration process, or at any time at the request of the parents, guardians, or adult student. An effective voluntary and confidential self-identification policy is an important part of the board's overall plan to best support both academic and non-academic outcomes for First Nation, MΓ©tis, and Inuit students. The availability of student achievement data allows for the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and strategies in supporting the needs of First Nation, MΓ©tis, and Inuit students. More specifically, this data is also valuable in the support of improvement planning and in the board's accountability to First Nation community partners. It also helps to inform policy and funding decisions at both the board and provincial levels.
The Count Me In LKDSB Student Census uses different more comprehensive and individual specific data gathering software which is separate from the student registration process. Indigenous students are encouraged to continue to follow current processes for self-identification, in accordance with the Voluntary Self-Identification Policy and Regulation and participate in the voluntary student demographic data census. Please contact your child's school principal if you have any questions.β
The School Climate Survey is an anonymous survey of students, parents/guardians and staff to help schools assess perceptions of safety, make informed planning decisions about programs to prevent bullying and promote safe and inclusive schools, and build and sustain a positive school climate. School Climate Surveys are conducted every two years, as supported by the Ministry of Education.
Similar to a federal community census, the Count Me In LKDSB voluntary Student Census is not anonymous, rather it is a confidential student census which collects demographic information about individual students. The census is conducted following the direction and support of the Ontario Ministry of Education and the data collected will be the basis for with identifying and addressing systemic barriers and disparities, and will support student achievement and well-being.β
The more information and understanding the LKDSB has about the students and communities it serves, the better its ability to proactively respond, address and work to dismantle systemic barriers which limit students' abilities to reach their full potential. The LKDSB's Strategic Priority of βInclusive Diversity: Champion anti-oppressive education" challenges us all to work to eliminate all forms of oppression in education and the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census will provide informed data to support ongoing work to improve programming and support services for students.β
We respect the dignity and privacy of students and their families, and will ensure data is collected, used and disclosed in compliance with relevant legislation, and that appropriate measures are used to protect personal information. Analysis and data reports will never single out a student. By law, we cannot reveal individualized information for any student/parent who completes the survey.
The collection of identity-based data is supported by Canada's Human Rights legislative framework, including the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and section 15(2) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. School boards must also comply with Ontario's Anti-Racism Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of Systemic Racism Standards (known as the ARDS or Data Standards).β
The LKDSB will be collecting data for the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census in accordance with the authority of the Education Act and the guidance of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Anti-Racism Act, the Ontario Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of Systemic Racism, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Also refer to the LKDSB Protection of Student Personal Information Administrative Procedure.
The LKDSB will be using Qualtrics software to collect the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census data. This is the same software company used by other Ontario school boards to conduct their demographic data census. The software has been rigorously assessed by the LKDSB's Information Technology Department. Click here to review Qualtrics' Privacy Statement. Click here to read their Security Statement.β
We understand that systems and structures have historically not served all students and that persistent gaps remain in the learning trajectories and outcomes of Indigenous students, students from equity-seeking groups (students who face barriers and discrimination include but are not limited to racialized communities, LGBTQ and people with disabilities) and students from lower socio-economic groups. We commit to:
We know that collecting data and sensitive information can raise concerns about privacy and stigmatization, particularly among people who experience discrimination. For Indigenous peoples, we recognize the importance of principles of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP). Additionally, we will strive to use data collected about First Nation, MΓ©tis and Inuit students in ways that support the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report.β
βWe appreciate that thorough and effective communication and consultation with multiple voices in local communities is fundamental to the successful collection of identity-based student data. We will engage students, parents/guardians, educators, education workers, unions, school and board administrators, Indigenous and community members in meaningful ways to determine the best approach for our school board.β