ATM: Systems Thinking for Student Success
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Our journey in educational assurance begins with systems thinking—a way of seeing the big picture and understanding how everything connects. Through this lens, we’re able to develop strategies that not only strengthen our schools but also adapt to new challenges. This mindset keeps us focused on continuous learning and improvement, always striving to enhance education for everyone in our community.
Systems thinking allows us to uncover interrelationships and patterns, helping us build a shared vision for collaborative learning. It’s a perspective that places education at the heart of a vibrant community, shaping our actions, strategies, and systems as we go. Every decision we make considers the larger system, promoting a coherent approach to school and division improvement.
Our approach is informed by factors such as provincial funding models, community feedback and internal structures such as our Board of Trustees and administrative practices. What we produce—our assurances—takes shape in key documents like the Annual Education Results Report (AERR) and the Capital Plan, but most importantly, it is evident in our students’ success. These elements collectively reflect our story of being a connected, resilient system.
In Foothills School Division, our commitment to assurance means we’re dedicated to demonstrating accountability and transparency to our stakeholders and the broader public. This commitment is evident in our policies, processes, and actions, all of which work to build public trust in the education system. Key documents like our Education Plan and AERR embody this process of ongoing improvement and accountability.
Our strategic planning is in step with Alberta Education’s Business Plan for 2024-2027, clearly aligning our priorities, outcomes, and strategies with our broader goals. By analyzing results, engaging with stakeholders, and reporting through our annual Alberta Education Results Report (AERR), we gain valuable insights that inform our decisions and help us make meaningful improvements in our education programs and student outcomes. Engaging our stakeholders is crucial, as it fosters shared governance and helps us make better-informed decisions together.
Yours in learning,
Caroline Roberts
Assistant Superintendent,
Learning Services
Doug Stevens
Director of Student Learning (7-12) & Assurance Data
