2025 Spring Forum

District leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping cohesive strategies that drive systemic improvement for excellence and equity. How do we translate these intentions into tangible improvements in the student experience? How do we activate our aspirations in support of our most valued outcomes for all learners? There are no ready-made answers, but since we commenced our ambitious transformation journey in BC about a decade ago, we have learned some important lessons about how system leadership catalyzes change.

This day long session will investigate how the actionable leadership of district teams builds coherence for system transformation. Participants will delve into key principles of system leadership, focusing on:

· Bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and actionable strategies.

· Intentionally leveraging emergence to guide systemic change initiatives.

· Grounding equity aspirations with effective practice

· Ensuring coherence between adult learning and student learning.

· Evaluating the impact of leadership initiatives through data and evidence.

Kevin Godden and a team of district leaders from around the province will facilitate a series of conversations focused on emerging practices that address the complexity of equitable deeper learning in schools. Reflective small group dialogues will investigate practical approaches that support alignment, scale emergent practices, and build system resilience for sustainable progress.

Sessions will offer collaborative spaces to reflect, strategize, and plan for impactful leadership. Facilitators will highlight distinct approaches designed to build coherence across various organizational contexts, both rural/urban and small/large district settings. Participants will be given opportunities to interrogate emerging practices, reflect on their own approaches, and leave with practical tools and actionable protocols for application in their own contexts.

Teams will leave this session equipped with tools and approaches to enhance their system-wide transformation efforts. By the end of this session, participants will:

· Explore successful strategies from peer districts for integrating equity and excellence.

· Understand approaches to building coherence in systemic leadership. (Leadership)

· Develop insights into fostering equity and inclusion through targeted, evidence-informed initiatives.

· Develop a personalized approach to fostering alignment and resilience in their own districts.

· Gain actionable protocols to facilitate collaborative dialogue that drives district improvement.

This day-long session is designed for district teams who are committed to interrogating ways to better align and improve their district's strategic initiatives. District teams are encouraged to bring equity seeking school-based leaders who are symmetrically engaged in these approaches in their schools.

Pre Conference Offerings

Strategic Planning and Observable Impact with Peter Jory and Cale Birk 

Peter Jory and Cale Birk will guide you through the Observable Impact planning model, showcasing how the Qualicum School District effectively aligns classroom plans, school plans, and operational plans with the district’s strategic plan. This session will demonstrate practical ways to visualize, measure, and steer success, ensuring that our ambitious strategic goals translate into tangible outcomes in our schools and classrooms.

Please note:

This session is open to all members. Registration for these sessions does not include access to the entire conference or accommodation information. If you wish to attend the full conference in addition to this session, please select the Conference registration Fee dropdown above this one on the registration page.