A School Planning Council (or SPC) is an advisory body, in place at each school, that works with the school community (parents, students, educators, service providers, etc.) to develop, monitor and review a School Plan, designed to improve students’ success. The SPC is a separate body from a school’s PAC, but the two may work together.
Each elementary School Planning Council is made up of:
- three parents
- one teacher (this is not currently implemented)
- the school principal
School plans are part of a provincial accountability framework to improve student results. Plans developed by SPCs are connected to district achievement contracts. These processes collect and analyze information related to student achievement, develop and implement plans for improvement, review results and communicate with the public.
School planning councils are encouraged to use a range of public information in their planning, including:
- classroom data (e.g., performance standards information, report card data)
- all school data (e.g., attendance data, behavioural/safety information, school assessment information)
- district data (e.g., local surveys)
- data provided by the Ministry such as:
- graduation rates
- grade-to-grade transitions (Grades 6 to 12)
- foundation skills assessment information (grades 4, 7, 10)
- parent, student and staff satisfaction survey results
- other information about student performance
School planning councils can also consider:
- district plans and the broad goals stated in existing achievement agreements
- school context (i.e., community location, demographic information) when analyzing student results and strategies to improve student achievement
- performance information for significant groups like Aboriginal students, English as a second language students and students with special needs
School Planning Councils are encouraged to consult with the entire school community, including parents, teaching and non-teaching staff and students. The legislation requires SPCs to consult with the Parent Advisory Council during the preparation of the school plan. The legislation also permits SPCs to request assistance from the Parent Advisory Council in carrying out its function.