HDSB releases findings from Student and Staff Census

The Halton District School Board has released the first findings of the Student and Staff Census conducted in the 2021-2022 school year.  It’s taking place on a phased-approach.  Phase 1 started at a board meeting March 2 with the release of data on the identities of students and staff including language, ethnicity, race, Indigeneity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and disability to Trustees.

Following the release of identity data, perceptual (how students perceive their school experiences) and disaggregated data showing trends and patterns in special education, academic achievement and student experiences, will be shared between now and September 2022. View the Census Findings timeline to see when the various categories of data will be released.

The HDSB conducted the voluntary Student Census from January to June 2021, and Staff Census from April to June 2021, as required by the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan to gather and report identity-based data. The Student Census was completed by 78 per cent of elementary students and 84 per cent of secondary students. The Staff Census was completed by 75 per cent of staff.  View the HDSB Student Census findings and Staff Census findings. Translations of the Student and Staff Census findings will be available soon in: Arabic, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Urdu.

“The findings of the Student and Staff Census are intended to support every community to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students and staff in the HDSB,” says David Boag, Associate Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “This data provides us with new information about who our students and staff are to fully understand the needs of all staff, students and families. This will help support success and well-being, identify and eliminate discriminatory practices, systemic barriers and bias to provide equitable opportunities and outcomes, and allocate resources to support students and programs where the need is greatest.”

With the findings of the Student and Staff Census, the HDSB will continue to examine disparities and disproportionalities in opportunities and outcomes for students and staff, prepare action plans that align with the HDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and continue to engage with stakeholders.