Name: From Belonging to Learning: Using Proactive Circles to Strengthen Academic Outcomes in Alberta Classrooms
Start: 2026-08-28T12:45:00-0600
End: 2026-08-28T13:45:00-0600

ECSD Elementary Summer Summit 2026: September Starts Here
Join us on August 28 for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration designed to help you start the school year strong! Choose from over 25 sessions featuring classroom-ready resources, practical strategies, and ready-to-use lessons across literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, assessment, inclusion, faith permeation, and wellness. Whether you’re exploring the new Grades 4–6 Social Studies curriculum, discovering Dynamic Math, or looking for fresh ideas to support every learner, you’ll leave confident, energized, and September ready!

From Belonging to Learning: Using Proactive Circles to Strengthen Academic Outcomes in Alberta Classrooms

LIMITED

Friday August 28, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Heritage Room

Limited Capacity seats available

Session Materials

This session introduces you to proactive circles as both a relationship‑building and instructional practice. You will explore what proactive circles are, how to establish and sustain them, and why they are foundational for student engagement, safety, and learning. Grounded in restorative practice research and Universal Design for Learning, the session shows how proactive circles support access and success for all learners.
The session then focuses on academic circles, exploring how proactive circles can be intentionally designed to support the Alberta curriculum. Using concrete classroom examples and ECSD resources, participants will see how academic circles activate prior knowledge, deepen understanding, practice academic language, and support reflection and student voice, without sacrificing instructional time. They also create the relational safety required for students to engage with sensitive or complex curriculum topics, ensuring academic conversations remain grounded, respectful, and accessible for all learners.

Speakers

Claudia Pederson

EDIAR Manager, Edmonton Catholic School Division

Claudia Pederson leads the Creating Communities of Belonging department, supporting schools in fostering environments where every student and staff member feels valued, safe, and connected. Her work focuses on strengthening inclusive practices, building staff capacity, and advancing... Read More →

Anne Simpson

Elementary Social Studies Consultant (K-6), Edmonton Catholic School Division

I am a proud parent of two children and two pets. I enjoy traveling, reading, engaging in creative pursuits, and spending quality time with friends and family—often cheering from the stands of chilly hockey arenas or warm indoor ball hockey floors.Drawing from both personal and... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Heritage Room

K-6

September Starts Here.

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ECSD Elementary Summer Summit

Claudia Pederson

Anne Simpson

Attendees (8)

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September Starts Here.

Success you have shared X tickets.

ECSD Elementary Summer Summit

Claudia Pederson

Anne Simpson

Attendees (8)

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