'Danny' Sharing Day - April 23, 2010

Over 100 educators from around the province gathered together on Friday, April 23, 2010 to share their school-based initiatives as part of ETFO’s Poverty and Education projects. Former Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Ben Levin, began the day with his keynote address sharing current research about how poverty affects learning in schools and how Canada is performing internationally.

'Danny' schools from 20 boards of education were nominated by their local ETFO president and director, and received a one-time grant and release days.  These schools shared their individual projects during round table and afternoon presentations.  Lead teachers and staff from the various schools talked about how they addressed issues of nutrition, enrichment, and higher achievement through their school-based projects.

Dr. Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker and Dr. Joe Flessa shared some of the research they have been doing in conjunction with ETFO’s Poverty and Education projects.  They stressed the importance of teachers avoiding a 'deficit framework' when thinking about, and working with, school communities facing socio-economic challenges.