While the new math curriculum is not so new anymore, it is still a popular subject amongst CAPSC blog readers. According to the analytics available for our blog, parents visit our site on a daily, weekly, monthly basis looking for information on this subject area.
With full implementation of the new math curriculum for grades K to 9 now complete, implementation will move to grade 10 this fall. As a result, we were not surprised to find that one of the popular key words of late on our blog site includes Math 10c. Math 10c is a starting point for the 20/30 -1 and -2 streams. Other grade 10 options include Math -3 (most trades, workforce entry) and Math -4 (Knowledge and Employability). Alberta Education's math webpage offers a variety of resources for both parents and students as they look at the math sequences available at high school.
As for the math diploma exams, removal of the written portion is still proving to be a source of controversy. An interesting blog post by an executive member of the Math Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association attempts to answer the question, "What is the value of the mathematics diploma exams for Alberta Students? ~In particular, what is the value of the written response section of the mathematics diploma exam?" How will the diploma exam be impacted once the new math curriculum is fully implemented K to 12?
Finally, CAPSC stumbled upon a great resource for parents thanks to the above blogger. The Math Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association has a webpage dedicated to math links and more interestingly, a list of books related to math topics such as number concepts, shape and space, and data analysis your child may enjoy reading.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Education Act 2011 Proposed Framework: Appointment of Trustees
At the CAPSC meeting on Wednesday, November 17, membership had a strong reaction to section 6(d) of the proposed Education Act that states, "Where there are underrepresented groups, a board may appoint, with the approval of the Minister, up to one third of the number of trustees to a board, and the Minister, in consultation with the board, may appoint up to one-third of the number of trustees to the board.
CAPSC has followed up this discussion by submitting a further question to Alberta Education:
In the current School Act, there is a section pertaining to committees. Is there any underlying regulation that would narrow the definition and preclude a board from constituting a committee that provides advice and guidance around diversity issues?
If there are no restrictions, would this not be a more effective way to address the issue that the Minister is attempting to remedy in Section 6(d) of the proposed framework for the Education Act which outlines a provision for appointment by boards or the Minister to boards where there may be underrepresented groups. Democracy would be preserved and there would be more flexibility around all boards' ability to address a wide range of diversity issues. It would also align with the Minister's public statements supporting "a community governance model which will bring all voices to the table in understanding how we create the best opportunity for our students." For example, in Calgary, Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson, with direction from theTrustees, has set up a Cultural Advisory Council and an Elder Advisory Council that would advise and consult with the Board around decisions and policy development as it pertains to diversity and multiculturalism. As well, Administration has instituted a Youth Advisory Council comprised of leadership students from each High School in the Calgary Board of Education.
A representative from Alberta Education has responded with the following:
As you’ve noted, section 60(2)(i) of the School Act permits boards to establish committees and I believe it is currently the case that some boards have already established committees to examine issues related to diversity. You’ve noted that such a committee currently exists in Calgary and I believe the same is true in Edmonton.
Feedback received through Inspiring Education and Inspiring Action indicates that Albertans believe more needs to be done to make boards representative of their communities. While boards in Calgary and Edmonton may have had some success in using the existing provisions of the School Act to address the needs and diversity of their communities, other boards in Alberta have not been as successful. The intent behind the proposed provision is to ensure boards across the province adequately reflect the diverse interests of their communities.
The contemplated provisions would also enable a board itself to appoint a trustee where it feels like greater engagement from the community is needed. The board may feel that it is not necessary to actually appoint a trustee, but rather to set up a committee to address these issues, under section 60(2)(i). This may go some way to satisfying the Minister that a particular group is not under-represented. In any event, the intent of the proposed provision is to encourage all boards in Alberta to consider ways in which to better engage their communities and to find ways for those voices to be heard.”
If parents or school councils have comments, they can provide them at the Alberta Education website until the end of November.
CAPSC has followed up this discussion by submitting a further question to Alberta Education:
In the current School Act, there is a section pertaining to committees. Is there any underlying regulation that would narrow the definition and preclude a board from constituting a committee that provides advice and guidance around diversity issues?
If there are no restrictions, would this not be a more effective way to address the issue that the Minister is attempting to remedy in Section 6(d) of the proposed framework for the Education Act which outlines a provision for appointment by boards or the Minister to boards where there may be underrepresented groups. Democracy would be preserved and there would be more flexibility around all boards' ability to address a wide range of diversity issues. It would also align with the Minister's public statements supporting "a community governance model which will bring all voices to the table in understanding how we create the best opportunity for our students." For example, in Calgary, Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson, with direction from theTrustees, has set up a Cultural Advisory Council and an Elder Advisory Council that would advise and consult with the Board around decisions and policy development as it pertains to diversity and multiculturalism. As well, Administration has instituted a Youth Advisory Council comprised of leadership students from each High School in the Calgary Board of Education.
A representative from Alberta Education has responded with the following:
As you’ve noted, section 60(2)(i) of the School Act permits boards to establish committees and I believe it is currently the case that some boards have already established committees to examine issues related to diversity. You’ve noted that such a committee currently exists in Calgary and I believe the same is true in Edmonton.
Feedback received through Inspiring Education and Inspiring Action indicates that Albertans believe more needs to be done to make boards representative of their communities. While boards in Calgary and Edmonton may have had some success in using the existing provisions of the School Act to address the needs and diversity of their communities, other boards in Alberta have not been as successful. The intent behind the proposed provision is to ensure boards across the province adequately reflect the diverse interests of their communities.
The contemplated provisions would also enable a board itself to appoint a trustee where it feels like greater engagement from the community is needed. The board may feel that it is not necessary to actually appoint a trustee, but rather to set up a committee to address these issues, under section 60(2)(i). This may go some way to satisfying the Minister that a particular group is not under-represented. In any event, the intent of the proposed provision is to encourage all boards in Alberta to consider ways in which to better engage their communities and to find ways for those voices to be heard.”
If parents or school councils have comments, they can provide them at the Alberta Education website until the end of November.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Education Act 2011 Proposed Framework: A Sampling of Feedback
The Hon. Dave Hancock blogged about some of the transformative changes that will come with a new Education Act, "The Informed Transformation of Trusteeship." Be sure and read through all the comments that follow this posting.
Dave King, a former Education Minister under Peter Lougheed and more recently the Executive Director of the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, has been following the School Act Review closely. He has written a couple of thought-provoking blog posts on the proposed framework and natural persons powers for school boards.
The idea forum on the Inspiring Action webpage is now up and running. Its purpose is to engage stakeholders in meaningful discussion around the issues. Check out the idea forum dedicated to the proposed framework - there are a few comments posted.
One of the changes being contemplated is raising the legal age for leaving school. A CD Howe report provides some insight and has this to say, "Whatever the reasons, one clear recommendation of this paper is that if provinces are serious about raising the school-leaving age, they need to effectively enforce these laws and promote their potential benefits to administrators, parents, and students. For another perspective, you can read the MacLeans.ca article, "Raising the dropout age won't work."
The Hon. Dave Hancock has discussed the possibility of appointing trustees to augment an elected board. Some of the appointees may be a First Nation parent or a student. Dale Hudjik, president of the Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools (ARTES),asked an interesting question concerning the appointment of trustees. "How will this be different than what is provided for in the School Act today?
60(2) A board may(e) provide for the payment of travelling and other expenses
and honoraria to (i) trustees, and (ii) persons appointed to committees of the board;(i) establish committees and specify the powers and duties of the committees
61(1) The board may authorize by resolution(b) a committee of the board or that is established by the board,to do any act or thing or exercise any power that the board may or is required to do or exercise subject to the directions and limitations set out in the resolution, except for those powers referred to in subsection (2).
(2) The board shall not delegate
(a) the power to make a bylaw under this Act,
(b) the power to close a school or school building under
section 58,
(c) the power to requisition from a municipality that the board
may have from time to time, and
(f) the power to hold a hearing under section 104.
Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson, with direction from theTrustees, has set up a Cultural Advisory Council and an Elder Advisory Council that would advise and consult with the Board around decisions and policy development as it pertains to diversity and multiculturalism. As well, Administration has instituted a Youth Advisory Council comprised of leadership students from each High School in the CBE.
Dave King, a former Education Minister under Peter Lougheed and more recently the Executive Director of the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, has been following the School Act Review closely. He has written a couple of thought-provoking blog posts on the proposed framework and natural persons powers for school boards.
The idea forum on the Inspiring Action webpage is now up and running. Its purpose is to engage stakeholders in meaningful discussion around the issues. Check out the idea forum dedicated to the proposed framework - there are a few comments posted.
One of the changes being contemplated is raising the legal age for leaving school. A CD Howe report provides some insight and has this to say, "Whatever the reasons, one clear recommendation of this paper is that if provinces are serious about raising the school-leaving age, they need to effectively enforce these laws and promote their potential benefits to administrators, parents, and students. For another perspective, you can read the MacLeans.ca article, "Raising the dropout age won't work."
The Hon. Dave Hancock has discussed the possibility of appointing trustees to augment an elected board. Some of the appointees may be a First Nation parent or a student. Dale Hudjik, president of the Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools (ARTES),asked an interesting question concerning the appointment of trustees. "How will this be different than what is provided for in the School Act today?
60(2) A board may(e) provide for the payment of travelling and other expenses
and honoraria to (i) trustees, and (ii) persons appointed to committees of the board;(i) establish committees and specify the powers and duties of the committees
61(1) The board may authorize by resolution(b) a committee of the board or that is established by the board,to do any act or thing or exercise any power that the board may or is required to do or exercise subject to the directions and limitations set out in the resolution, except for those powers referred to in subsection (2).
(2) The board shall not delegate
(a) the power to make a bylaw under this Act,
(b) the power to close a school or school building under
section 58,
(c) the power to requisition from a municipality that the board
may have from time to time, and
(f) the power to hold a hearing under section 104.
Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson, with direction from theTrustees, has set up a Cultural Advisory Council and an Elder Advisory Council that would advise and consult with the Board around decisions and policy development as it pertains to diversity and multiculturalism. As well, Administration has instituted a Youth Advisory Council comprised of leadership students from each High School in the CBE.
National Bullying Awareness Week
November 14 to the 20 is National Bullying Awareness Week. Albertans are being encouraged to "Stand Up and Stop Bullying." Too many children suffer physically,mentally and emotionally at the hands of bullies and we all have a role to play in ending bullying behaviours. Where to start? Help, advice, information can be found through the Bullying Helpline 1-888-456-2323 (24/7, toll free, multilingual). Website resources from the Alberta Government are available for a variety of age groups including children, teenagers and adults.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
A reminder of the possibilities
This past Thursday night I joined our Board of Trustees and hundreds of other guests to honour Doug Mitchell as the 2010 Distinguished Alumni for Education Matters. It had been a long week , in fact a long couple of months of hosting forums, dealing with election 'stuff' and truly I was feeling like just curling up with my kids and staying at home. I am so glad that I threw on a dress and decided to attend this special event!
The program was MC'd by Pearl Tsang who is always a delight to share an evening with. Mayor Nenshi attended and shook hands with guests and students. Doug Mitchell, a proud CBE graduate shared his passion and appreciation for public education; a truly sincere example of all of the things that go right with public education. What moved me so deeply were the students. I had a fantastically interesting conversation with a grade 12 student Ambassador sitting next to me at dinner. This young man moved to Calgary in Grade 9, his parents wanted him and his brother to get a better education than what they felt he could get in London, England. He was ahead a grade level when he arrived and boy has he make the most of it!
I cannot list all of the things that this young man is involved with today but let me try to recap a few; taking IB classes, on Grad committee, started a volunteer 'club' at his school to work with the homeless population, involved with a leadership group and the list truly went on and on. He was grateful, indeed gleeful at the many privileges (his words) that public school has afforded him and felt that he owed it to Calgarians to give back.
Another moment that had me and many others in the audience tearful was when guest student speaker, Cheyanne Lepka, spoke of her journey through public education. She described herself as having what many saw as the 'disadvantages' being a visible minority and the daughter of a single Mom who worked very hard to provide for her kids. Cheyanne told a moving story of teachers who took the time to understand her learning needs, a very bright young girl who would appear to be falling behind but was in fact bored and not being challenged enough in class. She spoke of teachers who let her work a grade level ahead and encouraged her to challenge both herself and a system that sometimes made it difficult to work outside of the boundaries. Her teachers at Lord Beaverbrook High School helped her publish a book. Did you know that Lord Beaverbrook has a publishing company! Wow! She shared a passage from her book and is a remarkably talented young woman. Cheyanne was moved to tears as she thanked Education Matters (and her teachers) for the scholarships that helped her get to University where she is studying archaeology and biology.
Throughout the evening we watched videos of unique programs that are taking place throughout various schools in Calgary. Amazing programs for students with disabilities that give them an opportunity to communicate through movement or computers when they cannot speak and programs that foster a love and appreciation for the arts.
Does this negate all of the concerns that parents have about overcrowded classrooms and underfunded schools? Of course not. BUT it reminded me, as I have forgotten far too often that public education DOES work and is meant to give us all the opportunities that the above mentioned students had. At times I think that we nit pick at things and lose sight of the fact that we want our students to do well, we chose this so that they have every opportunity to get the education that they need most to make them the best human beings possible.
It is healthy and necessary for the success of public education that as community members, parents and students we continue to ask wise questions, stay involved and yes even be critical at times but we must do so with an understanding that the administrators, parents and educators are not in this to create a worse system but to create a better system where we hear more stories like the ones told at this celebration.
Congratualtions to these students and we wish you continued success!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Join us for CBE's 1-2-5 Run and Walk
The Calgary Board of Education is celebrating its 125th birthday this year! In honour of providing a century and a quarter of quality public education in our city, CBE will be hosting a 1-2-5 Run and Walk on Saturday, November 13th at Eau Claire Market. Come out and join CBE staff, CAPSC executive, and many community members as we enjoy the fresh air and celebrate the CBE.
The event is a free, fun event for everyone in the community. Participants can either walk or run 1, 2 or 5 km on the pathway west of Eau Claire Market. Registration for participants is inside the market, where it's warm and dry. There is plenty of parking in the Market's main parking lot.
Information for the event is available online at www.cbe.ab/125run. The first 500 registrants and all voluteers will receive a free 125th anniversary commemorative toque and there will be lots of fun and prizes at the event.
We hope to see you there!
The event is a free, fun event for everyone in the community. Participants can either walk or run 1, 2 or 5 km on the pathway west of Eau Claire Market. Registration for participants is inside the market, where it's warm and dry. There is plenty of parking in the Market's main parking lot.
Information for the event is available online at www.cbe.ab/125run. The first 500 registrants and all voluteers will receive a free 125th anniversary commemorative toque and there will be lots of fun and prizes at the event.
We hope to see you there!
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