Parent Voice

A recent Calgary Herald article, “Parents have a voice they just need to use it,” delved into the many ways parents can have a voice in the school system. While the focus of the article was from the perspective of a parent in the Calgary Catholic School Division, many of the same opportunities exist within the Calgary Board of Education. After reading this article, one of our members brought it to our attention that it might be helpful for CAPSC to do a piece on parent voice specific to the CBE.

The Classroom
Students, parents and teachers alike benefit from forming a strong partnership. Research indicates that parental involvement in their child’s education, both at home and in the school, has a positive impact on their learning and personal development. Attending Parent/Teacher interviews, volunteering in the classroom during the day or from home after school, fundraising, and participating in school council meetings are all important ways to support student learning. It is important to be informed and share your voice. Two great parent resources are available from the Calgary Board of Education and the Alberta Teachers’ Association to help guide parents through this relationship building process - "My student and the Calgary Board of Education" and "Parenting Through the School Years: A Guide for Parents of K – 12 Students."

The School

Parents also have a voice through their school council. School Councils were mandated by the government in 1995 in order “to increase parent and community involvement in the education of children in Alberta.” The School Act describes a school council as an advisory/consultative body made up of parents, the principal, teachers and interested community members that come together to support student learning. This advisory role not only applies to the relationship with the principal but also potentially to the Board of Trustees and the Minister of Education. A couple of handy resources to help you understand the role school councils play include the Alberta School Council Resource Manual and the CAPSC Resource: CBE Regulations Governing School Councils and School Societies.

The Administration

The Calgary Board of Education also offers opportunities for school council chairs, key communicators and parents to learn more about the school system and educational issues impacting their children. System Meetings are held four times a year and are open to all - parents and members of the public. Smaller sessions are held at Area Meetings. Both types of meetings are opportunities to interact with CBE Administration, Trustees and your Area Director – not to mention other parents. Find out more on the CBE Website page School Councils/Key Communicators

The CBE’s Community Engagement and Operational Planning Department works with parents around school accommodation issues (school/program closures, program placement/moves) and provide a multitude of channels for engagement and feedback.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees can be reached in the traditional ways but are now moving into social media via Facebook and Twitter. Trustees distribute Trustee-zine on a quarterly basis and this publication "is intended to engage readers in an ongoing dialogue on issues relevant to student success." Public board meetings are held twice a month during the school year and the agenda includes an opportunity for public input.

The Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils

CAPSC is an incorporated non-profit society that meets on a monthly basis during the school year to share, network and advocate around educational issues impacting our students. We are an officially recognized stakeholder group and have a stakeholder seat at all public meetings of the Board of Trustees. In addition, we have a trustee liaison whose duties include bringing information to us from the board and taking information from us back to the board on a regular basis. We host one or more trustees at every meeting and often host CBE Administration, Alberta Education officials and other recognized experts in the educational field. Our guest speakers are always very appreciative of the opportunity to engage with attendees. Meetings are open to all parents in the CBE. Check out our website and follow us on twitter@CAPSCyyc.