Early Learning Grant Update – funding going to districts immediately
Early Learning Grant Update – funding going to districts immediately The $12 million in Early Learning Grants announced by Premier Gordon Campbell in January will be transferred directly and immediately to school boards to provide districts with as much lead time as possible to put this early learning funding to the best possible use.
Click here to read a message from BCSTA President Penny Tees on the Early Learning Grant
Class size the focus of Learning Roundtable
President Penny Tees, Vice-President Connie Denesiuk, and Executive Director Lee Southern attended the provincial Learning Roundtable meeting on February 26.
On the impact of class size and composition legislation
Overall, members indicated that the legislation arising from Bill 33 has resulted in progress. President Tees noted, and the Minister acknowledged, that it is important to assess what difference smaller class sizes make to improving student learning. President Tees said that each member of the Roundtable had an obligation to lay out an expectation to its respective constituents that such a major financial investment must show a return in terms of student learning. Minister Bond proposed that the Roundtable serve as the committee to review the impact of Bill 33. This proposal was generally acceptable to the members.On Learning Roundtable membership
The Learning Roundtable reviewed its membership, reaching general agreement that that the current composition should be maintained. It was noted that some subjects to be addressed by the Roundtable will require input from various groups. It was also noted that there are other mechanisms, such as the Education Advisory Committee, that provide opportunities for input to government.
Engage your community and improve understanding of school boards
Did you miss the West Vancouver School Board session on enhancing the profile of school boards and school trustees? There is a second chance to participate in this important discussion. Join your colleagues on March 27 for a BCSTA Tele-PD session.
Click here for registration information
BCSTA presenters to be featured in a new Knowledge Network
v-zine
Interviews with West Vancouver School Board Chair Jane Kellett and Superintendent Geoff Jopson – BCSTA’s March Tele-PD presenters – will be featured in an upcoming edition of the Knowledge Network’s new v-zine, In The Know. This interview, on how teachers can engage with school boards, is one of five conducted at BCSTA’s Innovation Academy last December that will be featured The video magazine is aimed at teachers. The first edition is being distributed today and can be subscribed to online.
Please note: click on the video interview link once. A window will open. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection it will take a few seconds or minutes for the video to start playing. The video can be viewed with the QuickTime player. If you do not have the QuickTime player installed, you can download a free copy here.
Click here to see the Kellett/Jopson video interview
Click here to visit the Knowledge Network website
UBC’s Faculty of Education is celebrating its 50th Anniversary
Founded in 1956-57, UBC's Faculty of Education has provided outstanding leadership in teaching, scholarship, research, and service for half a century. To acknowledge and honour this landmark academic year, the Faculty will be hosting a wide range of events, including a gala weekend, March 30 - April 1 2007, along with a range of affiliated events and conferences.
Click here for a summary of upcoming events
Click here to visit the 50th Anniversary webpage
Talking about School Fees – President Tees is a guest with “Idol”
BCSTA President Penny Tees was featured on a CKNW segment with “Talk Show Host Idol” hopeful David Russell last Saturday. Russell’s editorial topic was school fees. President Tees reiterated BCSTA’s support for legislation that will allow for some fees: “... what school boards over the years have done is to build up many enhanced programs for students. Well beyond the core education offerings, school boards have provided many other options for students that make their education more exciting, more relevant – and here I’m talking about your band programs, programs of choice that have emerged in the last few years …We are pleased …that legislative change that will be coming – because we know these programs are important to communities and important to students.”
Click here to read a transcript of the interview