Schools in Lambton-Kent are launching a voluntary student census as a better way to understand all students and their communities.
Education Director of the Lambton-Kent District School Board (LKDSB) John Howitt says the census will help schools identify students' individual needs and school communities at large.
The school board will be collecting information for the Count Me In LKDSB student census through March. The survey will collect information such as students' race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
"We are committed to removing barriers to education," said Howitt. "The census will provide us with additional information to better understand individual student needs and our school communities at large, as well as identify and address discrimination and systemic barriers while improving outcomes for all students."
Questionnaires for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 will be sent to parents or guardians to be completed with or on behalf of their child. Students in grades nine through 12 will be provided with a link to the census as well as classroom time to complete it.
"Education systems have historically not served all students and gaps remain in the learning outcomes of different student groups," read the release. "The census is directed and supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education. As noted in the Government of Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan, all school boards in Ontario will be required to collect race-based data. The results of the student census will identify systemic barriers and bias within the education system."
Results from the census will be reported back to the community in the Fall. The list of questions is posted on the LKDSB website.
Parents or guardians with questions about the Count Me In LKDSB student census are encouraged to contact their child’s school.
