Academy pre-conference schedule

Trustees attending the December 6 pre-conference workshop can download the final schedule. Pre-conference registration opens at 8 am; the workshop begins at 9 am in the Gilford Room. The pre-conference program includes dynamic public-speaking expert Margaret Hope, who was profiled in the fall Education Leader.

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Trustees, librarians to collaborate

With the School Act now requiring boards of education to create district literacy plans, BCSTA and the BC Teacher-Librarians’ Association have agreed to collaborate on literacy improvement in communities provincewide. This strengthened partnership includes executive invitations to the two associations’ respective conferences – for example, BCTLA welcomed BCSTA President Penny Tees to the recent libraries’ reception at the Union of BC Municipalities convention. In the current issue of its newsletter, The Open Door, BCTLA encourages its members to share experiences and ideas for building on this important partnership.

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Public education facts, trends and attitudes

The Canadian Education Association has just released its Public Education in Canada: Facts, Trends and Attitudes report, containing the results of CEA’s “Public Attitudes Toward Education” survey. This fourth such report by CEA is based on the opinions, collected between January and May 2007, of more than 2,400 Canadians. The report also includes commentaries from educational leaders that help provide a context to issues such as student assessment, confidence in school systems, and educational change.

In addition to the survey results, the report contains a composite picture of education in Canada, with an overview of our education systems, a summary of key public school indicators and a brief outline of trends in educational reform. CEA hopes that the report will spark dialogue about the challenges of educating all students to take their place in a world of dynamic social, technological and economic change. CEA welcomes your feedback via questions at the conclusion of the report.

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BCTF to host pre-Academy social

The BC Teachers’ Federation is inviting trustees to a pre-Academy social on Thursday, December 6, 2007, from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm at the Coast Plaza at Stanley Park, 35th Floor, 1763 Comox Street. “The BCTF Executive Committee looks forward to meeting trustees and discussing topics of interest and mutual concern,” says Sylvia Bishop, assistant director, BCTF’s Communications and Campaigns Division.

If you’re interested in attending, you can pick up a ticket at the Academy registration desk – a limited number of tickets is available. The social will include appetizers and two complimentary beverages.

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