We are excited to invite schools in British Columbia to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) project for 2016/17.
The MDI is a scientifically validated self-report survey that asks students in grade 4 and 7 about their feelings and experiences in areas related to social and emotional well-being, health and academic achievement.
This is an exciting time of transformation in BC schools. The MDI aligns with the new BC Curriculum: it includes measures of student’s perceptions of their own Personal and Social competencies including self-awareness, responsible decision-making, self-regulation and social responsibility. In addition, the MDI collects students’ views on their school experiences, connectedness to peers and adults, physical health, and time spent after school, providing valuable information to help schools and communities create supportive environments where children can thrive.
Students complete the MDI in November and schools will receive reports in January, helping to inform school planning for the coming year. Researchers at the Human Early Learning Partnership use MDI data to explore critical influences on health and well-being from the early years to school age and beyond.
School districts across BC are using the MDI data in a number of ways:
- Informing school and district planning under the new Framework for Enhanced Student Learning;
- Measuring progress on the ERASE strategy, including school connectedness, school climate, victimization rates, and social and emotional competence;
- Helping plan and assess school and classroom programs/activities that emphasize social and emotional learning and well-being;
- Involving children themselves in understanding MDI results and planning initiatives with teachers and administrators;
- Supporting transitions from elementary to high school; and
- Grounding collaboration activities between schools and community stakeholders.
We learn as much from our school district and community partners as we do from the data we collect. This year we are pleased to announce new reports and resources that will support schools and communities working with MDI data:
- School reports will be shared through a new online platform allowing fast access to data;
- MDI data for school districts and communities are available in reports and presentation slides to facilitate local sharing and use of results; and
- The MDI Tools for Action resource is being expanded to assist educators and community members in understanding MDI results in order to move to action to improve student well-being.
Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl will host a webinar on May 18th. Please join her as she highlights trends in middle childhood well-being and new research evidence on best practices for promoting social and emotional fitness in schools and communities.
School districts and communities jointly fund participation in the MDI, with the cost dependent on the size of the school district. Funding is available to help offset costs.
Please contact Maddison Spenrath at mdi@help.ubc.ca or (604) 827-5504 to learn more.