The Delta school district continues to seek new methods to improve student thinking skills.
In a recent interview to talk about what's new in the district for 2011/2012, superintendent Dianne Turner said part of the district's Vision 2020 concept to transform schools focuses on improving the analytical ability of students.
"Our other focus and shift in how we're thinking is really about inquiry, for adults, for our teachers and staff to be inquiring about the best possible teaching strategies. In turn, then in future our focus will be on creating the best possible method of inquiry for our students to become very curious learners, to help them with their curiosity," said Turner.
The district is conducting an inquiry process with teachers, using a coordinator of inquiry to develop best practices.
Dr. Roland Case, executive director and co-founder of The Critical Thinking Consortium, will work with Delta teachers for the second year, holding workshops to develop innovative methods when it comes to critical thinking skills in the classrooms.
The district is launching its first International Baccalaureate program this year at Seaquam Secondary and is also looking at introducing a program designed for students in kindergarten through the primary years.
Other changes in the district this year include the launch of a dance academy at Delta Secondary and a traditional school at Heath Elementary.
The district is looking at other academy possibilities, including a sustainable agriculture program in conjunction with the Earthwise Society.
The district is projecting a drop of about 130 students this year, reducing the student population to 15,558. The Delta school board will get a clearer enrollment picture once a district head count is tabulated later this month.
As far as international students, there are currently 248 full-time equivalents, but that number is expected to rise to approximately 300 by early next year.
The board promoted Turner last year to fill the superintendent position left vacant after the departure of Steve Cardwell. Turner, who had been an assistant superintendent in the district, is a former principal in the Vancouver school system.
