Count Me In LKDSB
The Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) has released the results from the Count Me In LKDSB Demographic Data Student Census for elementary and secondary students, which was conducted March 1-April 8, 2022.
The LKDSB conducted the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census to collect information to better understand its 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 “Inclusive Diversity: Championing anti-oppressive education."
Of the total LKDSB enrolment in the 2021-2022 school year (14,591), parents/guardians participated on behalf of 784 elementary students (5.3% of total eligible elementary students) in the student census. There were 2,394 secondary students (34.3%) who participated in the student census of the total enrollment of 6,981 students.
The LKDSB recognizes there were challenges for the administration of the survey and not all eligible students or parents/guardians may have been able to complete the census. The LKDSB plans to conduct a follow-up student census in fall of 2024.
To ensure the confidentiality of respondents, only aggregated data is available.
Elementary – Junior Kindergarten – Grade 8 Report
Secondary – Grade 9-12 Report
The voluntary and confidential survey gathered demographic information about students, such as languages, Indigenous identity, ethnic/cultural background, racial identity, citizenship status, religious/spiritual affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, and (dis) abilities.
The census is directed and supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the LKDSB is authorized to collect personal information from students by the Anti-Racism Act (ARA s.6(2)), Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA s.28(2)), and the Education Act (265(1)(d), 169.1(1)).
In alignment with the LKDSB's Strategic Priority of “Inclusive Diversity: Championing anti-oppressive education," the LKDSB's annual Operational Plan outlines strategies to remove barriers to education. The Count Me In LKDSB Student Census is another data resource to help educators and education workers to ensure they are meeting individual needs and promote schools that are welcoming, inclusive and safe learning spaces for all students.
The next steps for LKDSB is to review the details of the census and use this information to inform decision-making and planning moving forward. LKDSB has already started this work through strategies outlined in the LKDSB's Operational Plan to remove barriers to education. LKDSB supports continued engagement with students, staff and parents/guardians to ensure the best outcomes for all students. Together, we will promote schools that are welcoming, inclusive and safe learning spaces for all students.
What is the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census?
The LKDSB, as directed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and with support, conducted 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 were provided the link to the census directly and classroom time to complete the census.
The census is confidential but not anonymous. The data collected will be compared with other types of data (e.g., demographic data, school programs, and achievement data) at the Board and school level. This will identify opportunities for growth; monitor progress; and plan strategies to support student achievement and well-being. The data is securely stored and results will be kept confidential.
The LKDSB collected 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.
Read Frequently Asked Questions, including why the LKDSB is collecting demographic information about students and how the information will be used and kept confidential.
Download an informational pamphlet for families about the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census.
Timeline
Identity-based Data Collection Census Questions
The voluntary and confidential student demographic data census will collect information from students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 on the following categories:
Language(s) First Spoken
- What is the first language(s) you learned to speak as a child and still understand?
- What languages do you speak most often at home?
Indigenous Identity
- Do you identify as First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit?
Ethnic Origin
- Do you consider yourself a Canadian?
- What is your ethnic or cultural origin(s)?
Citizenship Status
- Were you born in Canada? If no, select which designation applies.
Race
- In our society, people are often described by their race or racial background. Which racial group(s) best describes you?
Religion or Spiritual Affiliation
- What is your religion and/or spiritual affiliation?
Gender Identity
- What is your gender identity? (Note: The administration of this question will be consistent with The Ontario Curriculum, Health and Physical Education, as updated in August 2019)
Sexual Orientation
- What is your sexual orientation? (Note: The administration of this question will be consistent with The Ontario Curriculum, Health and Physical Education, as updated in August 2019)
Disability
- Do you consider yourself to be a person with a disability(ies)? If yes, please indicate.
Socio-economic Status
- Parent/Guardian that you currently live with most of the time. Please indicate your relation with this person.
- Please indicate the highest level of education this person completed.
- What is this person's employment status?
- Do you have internet access at home? If yes, what kind of internet connection do you have at home? If no, what is the main reason you do not have internet access?
We understand that you may have additional questions about the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census. Please contact your child's school for more information.
Videos
Questions?
Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions. We understand that you may have additional questions about the Count Me In LKDSB Student Census. Please fill in the form below to submit questions or comments.
