Follow up to Education Act framework

Leslie and I recently had the opportunity to meet with Spence Nichol, Executive Assistant to Education Minister Hancock. Our meeting with Mr. Nichol came as a follow up to our November CAPSC meeting and discussion around the proposed changes to the School Act (now called the Education Act 2011 Framework). We were very appreciative that Mr. Nichol took the time to meet with us.

Mr. Nichol shared with us that the Education Act is not meant to define in detail every nuance of day to day operations. My understanding from the conversation is that it is a larger vision for defining public education in Alberta and is only one piece amongst many that will be reviewed as this process unfolds in the next few years. That being said, I believe there is valid concern when things are left for interpretation as it can open the door to some unexpected changes. We asked if there is still an opportunity for change to this draft framework and the suggestion was to contact our local MLA’s over the next two weeks with comments and feedback. I for one, will be writing my MLA as I think it is critical that we voice concerns. CAPSC will look forward to seeing the completed legislation that will go before the government sometime during the spring session.

Member concerns shared with Mr. Nichol included:

1. Significant concern around Part 4 - Governance and Roles regarding section 6(d) "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.”

Comments included: seen as undermining democratic process; undermines local autonomy; what might be defined as an underrepresented group? (special interests); impact on large urban boards with the greatest diversity – perhaps better served by a committee reporting to the board.

Mr. Nichol emphasized that each Board would work in close collaboration with the Minister if there were any appointments of Trustees. The intent was to better represent students and our aboriginal population.

I feel that there are better ways to engage both groups than appointing them to a role that should remain elected. If we want to go down that path then perhaps we should also appoint minors to governmental positions within each department as well?

1. Concern around Part 4 - Governance and Roles regarding section 2. Parents: “The rights and responsibilities of parents for their children's learning will be clearly defined, and will include the expectation that parents are active partners with the teachers, principals and instructional team in their children's learning.”

While there was support for the idea that parents’ rights and responsibilities be stated and schools should not be seen simply as “day care facilities”, the question was raised whether the legislation was the appropriate place to make such statements. Additionally, enforceability was an issue.

An example of what might also be included, “Parents are expected to engage in the school community,” elicited the most comments – how can you mandate behaviour? Parents may have very valid reasons for not engaging in the school community.

Mr. Nichol commented that we should define the role(s) that parents can play in their children's education but you cannot mandate the behaviour.

1. Some concern around Part 1 - Access to Education regarding the proposed provisions for access being extended to the age of 21.

How will the additional students be accommodated – is there enough space? Do we have the teachers, support staff, administrative staff, and collaborative community networks to meet the needs of the proposed new requirements? There was concern about adults mixing with fifteen year olds at high school. Will overall additional funding be made available for public education and the additional resources associated with providing programming for students’ ages 4.5 to 21?

Mr. Nichol reassured us that adult students would NOT be in high schools with 15 year olds. The adult students would be accessing adult learning facilities like Bow Valley College and Chinook Learning Services.

I also inquired about a follow up to Inspiring Education where we heard from guest speakers such as Dan Pink and Mark Milliron who clearly warned us that preparing our students for success includes more than math and science and in class learning. We must also encourage critical thinking, global citizenship, community awareness and volunteerism. How does the new Education Act framework encourage and foster this? He affirmed that Minister Hancock also felt this was important. However, I am still not clear on HOW this is reflected in the new framework. This should be part of the large vision and I believe the new Education Act is the place that this can be introduced and shared as a common value for Albertans.

Eryn Kelly