Values Statement  

The Vancouver School Board believes an effective public education system will prepare students to be active, productive and socially responsible citizens.  

Students who complete their education with the Vancouver School Board should possess a strong educational foundation; be disposed to treat others with respect and work cooperatively with them; act upon the values and principles that make us human; care for themselves, for others, and for the planet; and exercise a critical intelligence adaptable to new situations.  

VSB will foster school communities where students can learn, see themselves, feel supported and connected so that they develop a love of learning and become lifelong learners.  

Education Plan Equity Statement  

The Vancouver School Board – a large, urban school district located on the unceded, traditional lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) – respects and supports Indigenous ways of knowing and learning.  

VSB will create an equitable learning environment where every child can experience a deep sense of belonging and is free to pursue pathways of learning in ways that are authentic to themselves. VSB will achieve this by:  

• having students see themselves and their communities in the curriculum and in the staff throughout the District; 
• prioritizing student needs by making informed decisions and engaging in open communication with rightsholders and stakeholders; and 
• actively fighting systems of oppression through relationship building, ongoing communication and transparency. 

The VSB commitment to equity will be informed by humility and accountability.  

Goals and Objectives  

Goal 1:  

The Vancouver School Board will improve student achievement, physical and mental well-being, and belonging by …  

• Encouraging students to reach beyond previous boundaries in knowledge and experience.  
• Improving school environments to ensure they are safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive places for students and families.  
• Increasing literacy, numeracy and deep, critical, and creative thinking.  
• Ensuring that students develop and can implement a plan for a successful transition upon completion of secondary school.  
• Ensuring the alignment among school, district, and provincial education plans.  
• Reporting student results about performance, well-being and outcomes to the community and using the results to improve the quality and effectiveness of the education and supports provided to students.  

Goal 2:  

The Vancouver School Board will increase equity by …  

• Eliminating gaps in achievement and outcomes among students.  
• Eliminating racism and discrimination in all forms.  
• Evaluating and renewing plans for the improvement of Indigenous learners’ education.  
• Improving stewardship of the District’s resources by focusing on effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.  

Goal 3:  

The Vancouver School Board will continue its Reconciliation journey with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit by …  

• Increasing knowledge, awareness, appreciation of, and respect for Indigenous histories, traditions, cultures and contributions.  
• Aligning its policies and practices in a manner consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the calls-to-action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  
• Engaging and gathering with the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nations).