Government Order in Council disallows section of BC College of Teachers’ Bylaw
 The provincial government has disallowed an amendment to the BC College of Teachers’ bylaws. The amendment (paragraph (c) of bylaw 6.C.01 (Preliminary Investigation Sub-Committee) disallowed the section that gave the authority to the college to demand documents from third parties at the investigative stage, before any citation has been issued.
In a July 24 letter to BC Education Minister Shirley Bond, BCSTA President Penny Tees expressed concern about “the lack of statutory authority for the adoption of these powers and the breadth of the powers.” Specifically, President Tees expressed the opinion that the powers established by the bylaw “are broader than the investigative powers of other professional bodies that have been approved by the courts as reasonable.”
The letter went on to say that the by-law applies to “persons,” not just members or their employers. This would mean that records might be demanded from other organizations such as BCSTA, the BC School Superintendents’ Association, the BC Principals and Vice Principals' Association or private individuals. This is an obligation that goes beyond the obligation to cooperate with police officers investigating criminal activities.
Read Penny Tees’s July 24th letter, the Minister’s response and the Order in Council disallowance.
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Advocacy in Action: this week's correspondence
In response to resolutions passed by our membership at AGM, BCSTA is in regular contact with the provincial government and other organizations to advocate for the points of view and suggested actions outlined in the resolutions. As written responses to our advocacy are received by us, we share them with our membership. Check out the most recent responses:
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Now on-line: the fall Education Leader
 The fall edition of Education Leader, recently mailed in print form to members, is now available on-line, with extra, supplemental material. We’ve tried to make the Association newsletter more colourful and more dynamic – let us know what you think! Stories in the current issue include: the Gender Achievement Gap, an interview with renowned educator Michael Fullan, keynote speaker at our December 6-8 Trustees Academy in Vancouver; a bouncy summer reminiscence with Saanich Trustee Jane Husband; and lots more.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your district’s outstanding achievements
 Now is the time to register for the December 7, 2007 Learning in Action Showcase. BCSTA and the BC School Superintendents’ Association, in co-operation with the Ministry of Education, will again celebrate the development and implementation of innovative practices in BC schools. Superintendents – it is time to choose and register your selected teaching team on-line today. Please visit Learning in Action for details about the showcase and celebration event.
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Reading and literacy conference – and many more
Mark your calendar for a major reading/literacy conference October 19th at Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Centre. The theme will be “The Daily Five Strategies for Literacy Independence.” The conference is co-hosted by the BC Literacy Council of the International Reading Association and the Lower Mainland Branch of the International Reading Association. For more information, contact Meredyth Grace Kezar, Later Literacy Consultant with the Vancouver School Board.
To see a full range of upcoming conferences in the education field, check out the BC School Superintendents’ Association’s comprehensive list.
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