BC Progress Board calls for increased education funding
The BC Progress Board released a discussion paper on public education December 5, calling for increased spending on public education coupled with stronger accountability measures.
Working Together to Improve Performance: Preparing BC's Public Education System for the Future examines BC's public education system and provides six suggestions for change.
The BC Progress Board is an independent panel of senior business and academic leaders, established by Premier Gordon Campbell in July 2001 to benchmark BC performance in a number of social policy areas and to provide advice on ways to improve. This discussion paper on public education was prepared by Dr. Charles Jago, CM, former President of the University of Northern British Columbia.
BCSTA President Penny Tees and Executive Director Lee Southern gave input to the discussion paper through an interview with Dr. Jago. BCSTA’s Board of Directors will be reviewing the Progress Board discussion paper. Watch eDigest for updates!
Click here to read a story regarding this issue in the Vancouver Sun
Legislation granting First Nations jurisdiction over education in BC gets fast passage in the House of Commons
Bill C-34: The First Nations Jurisdiction Over Education in British Columbia Act was fast-tracked by unanimous agreement of MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The legislation gives BC’s First Nations the right to develop "culturally-relevant, community-tailored" curricula for on-reserve schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The Act was developed in partnership by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and BC First Nations, represented by the First Nation Education Steering Committee (FNESC).
BCSTA has worked with FNESC to develop a draft template agreement to assist First Nations exercising jurisdiction over education, and school boards, to continue to have effective working relationships. This template will be distributed soon.
Click here to read the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada news release
Click here to read more about Bill C34
Click here to read Vancouver Sun coverage of passage of Bill C34
Feedback requested on BC’s curricula
The Ministry of Education is in the process of reviewing curricula in a number of subject areas. Public input is invited through response forms and surveys posted on the government website.
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Responses to the Home Economics 8 to 12 Integrated Resource Packages are due December 31.
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The Social Studies 8 to 12 Needs Assessment Questionnaire response deadline is February 12, 2007.
Click here for the curriculum response forms and questionnaires