Trustee Inquiry: Principal Training and School Councils

CAPSC is pleased to share the following with its membership...

Trustee Inquiry:
What type of training have principals received in helping parents understand the role of School Councils?

Response:
Because of the wide range of years of experience in our principal cohort, some of our principals experienced the provincial implementation of the new format for School Councils in 1995. Since that original implementation there has been some formal training through workshops and conference sessions provided by groups such as Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils (CAPSC), the Alberta Teachers’ Association (including the Council on School Administration), and the Alberta Home and School Councils’ Association. Mentorship has been key in principals understanding the role of School Councils; prior to becoming a principal, individuals have been an assistant principal for a minimum of three years. During that time they have attended School Council meetings, received mentorship from their principals and been involved in School Council planning. Supporting documents that principals routinely reference in their work with their School Councils include CBE Administrative Regulation 5001 – School Councils and School/Parent Societies, Alberta Education School Council Resource Manual, and the School Act. In the 2009-10 school year, first and second year principals attended a session on School Councils as part of the CBE Leadership Centre yearlong series of leadership development workshops that Area Directors also attended. Area Directors are also having focussed conversation at their Area Leadership meetings with principals regarding current policy expectations and practical strategies for successful School Councils.

Note: CAPSC President at the time, Gerry Burger-Martindale, led the sessions referenced in the above response.