AGM evaluation results: kudos, suggestions
 The verdict is in – and it’s a positive one! Responses to the AGM 2008 evaluation questionnaire show that, overall, delegates were pleased with the April 3-6 meeting in Vancouver, as the now-available Evaluation Synopsis reveals.
Keynote speakers Bob Rae and Mary Delagardelle garnered high ratings, as did BCSTA staff support, the Saturday night dance band Wager, meeting facilities, and student performers. Of the concurrent workshops, those on district literacy plans and Aboriginal environmental education (watch for a story in the June Leader) ranked highest. The most strongly expressed suggestion was to try and avoid having future business sessions extend to Sunday.
More than 120 delegates responded to the questionnaire.
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BCSTA welcomes new Communications Director
Carolyn Warner
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Bringing a strong background and “passion for communications,” Carolyn Warner joined the BC School Trustees Association this week as Director of Communications. A graduate of the Communications Studies, Bachelor of Arts program at Simon Fraser, Carolyn is well-versed in both print and broadcast media. Most recently she was Senior Consultant, Media Relations at Fraser Health.
Carolyn, who began her communications career as a 14-year-old on-air reporter and broadcaster at her dad’s Grand Forks radio station, CKGF, looks forward to working with BCSTA members. Says Carolyn, “I am passionate about education and community issues. I am mother of two children attending public school. For me, joining BCSTA is a fabulous opportunity to support a dynamic organization tasked to build community and nurture the next generation.”
To contact Carolyn phone 604-734-2721 (108) or e-mail her.
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Most Canadian students at or above expected reading levels
 The latest CSBA Infopicks details results of the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP) evaluation of 13-year-old students in reading, math and science. Canada’s students came out the most stellar in reading: most are reading at or above the expected level of performance. Quebec’s mean reading score is significantly higher than the rest of the country; females scored higher than males.
The PCAP findings were released by the Council of Ministers of Education.
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Pilot program aimed at increasing immigrant families’ literacy skills
 A pilot program just announced by the provincial government aims to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of immigrant families while helping their children get a successful start in school.
The Immigrant Parents as Literacy Supporters (Immigrant PALS) project, for immigrant families and preschool-aged children who’ve been in Canada for up to three years, will be piloted at seven schools in the Lower Mainland, according to Education Minister Shirley Bond and Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal.
In announcing Immigrant PALS, the two ministers reiterated government’s commitment to make BC the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.
Said Minister Bond, “While more than one million adult British Columbians struggle with low literacy levels, they come from every background imaginable, and we know that immigrant families have unique challenges and need these unique services.”
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“Lessons Learned” the focus of Summer Leadership Conference
 The Summer Leadership Conference, August 17-19 in Penticton, invites trustees, teachers, principals, parents and district leaders to reflect on “Lessons Learned” – the progress we’ve achieved in our work, life and society. Organized by various education partners, including BCSTA, the conference features speakers such as: Dylan William, Deputy Director, London Institute of Education; James Gorman, BC Deputy Minister of Education; Silken Laumann, Olympic medalist and author; and Romeo D’Allaire, (Ret.) Lieutenant General and Canadian Senator. The Conference also offers a diverse array of workshops. For more information, check out registration and accommodation.
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