Showing posts with label Education Minister. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education Minister. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Alberta Education Newsletter: #AbED News
Alberta Education has circulated its first edition of the #AbED News. There is a message from Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk and articles of interest to parents and others.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Alberta School Councils' Association Response to Education Minister's 10-point Plan
The Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA) posted a media release in response to the Education Minister's announcement:
Education Plan Identifies Significance of the Parents’ Voice
The release of Minister Lukaszuk’s 10‐point plan for education in Alberta includes creating a stronger voice for parents in the system to supplement the work of school councils.
Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) is identified in the plan to work with the department on new initiatives to strengthen parental input and develop supports for online interaction with parents.
“We are pleased that the voice of parents is recognized for its value in education and is incorporated into the plan,” said ASCA President, Marilyn Sheptycki. “Strengthening the role parents play in student success will benefit education and we look forward to implementing strategies with the Minister.”
A result of extensive consultation, including conversations with parents on school councils, produced the plan to affect an immediate difference for students and will form the basis for future legislation.
The 10‐point plan also captures the Association’s perspectives on full‐day Kindergarten, student travel times, provincial achievement testing, supporting First Nations students and parental choice.
Promoting parental involvement in public education through school councils, ASCA appreciates the commitment to opportunities reflecting parents as partners in the education system.
Education Plan Identifies Significance of the Parents’ Voice
The release of Minister Lukaszuk’s 10‐point plan for education in Alberta includes creating a stronger voice for parents in the system to supplement the work of school councils.
Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) is identified in the plan to work with the department on new initiatives to strengthen parental input and develop supports for online interaction with parents.
“We are pleased that the voice of parents is recognized for its value in education and is incorporated into the plan,” said ASCA President, Marilyn Sheptycki. “Strengthening the role parents play in student success will benefit education and we look forward to implementing strategies with the Minister.”
A result of extensive consultation, including conversations with parents on school councils, produced the plan to affect an immediate difference for students and will form the basis for future legislation.
The 10‐point plan also captures the Association’s perspectives on full‐day Kindergarten, student travel times, provincial achievement testing, supporting First Nations students and parental choice.
Promoting parental involvement in public education through school councils, ASCA appreciates the commitment to opportunities reflecting parents as partners in the education system.
CBE Board of Trustees responds to Education Minister's 10-point plan
The Board of Trustees have released a response to the Education Minister's 10-point plan. The text of the media advisory follows:
Calgary Board of Education welcomes the provincial 10-point plan
CALGARY – The Board of Trustees for the Calgary Board of Education welcomes the 10-point plan for Alberta’s education system announced today by Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk.
“Minister Lukaszuk is fulfilling his promise to advance education in Alberta,” says Pat Cochrane, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The CBE has been involved in a process that invited every Albertan to contribute to the vision for education. We are excited that listening is turning into action so quickly.”
The plan follows a province-wide consultation process. The initiatives, which the Minister indicated will roll out in the coming months, include “philosophical approaches that are best addressed in legislation and practical solutions to the challenges students face every day.”
The 10-point plan involves many areas of education including school design; transportation; preparing students for learning after high school; learning for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students; transparency; and the voice of parents.
“We have been looking forward to the Minister’s plan and to the legislation that will follow.” Cochrane added, “As the largest school district in Alberta, we appreciate having a Minister who understands that initiatives have many possible implications so predictable, sustainable funding is crucial for our students.”
Calgary Board of Education welcomes the provincial 10-point plan
CALGARY – The Board of Trustees for the Calgary Board of Education welcomes the 10-point plan for Alberta’s education system announced today by Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk.
“Minister Lukaszuk is fulfilling his promise to advance education in Alberta,” says Pat Cochrane, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The CBE has been involved in a process that invited every Albertan to contribute to the vision for education. We are excited that listening is turning into action so quickly.”
The plan follows a province-wide consultation process. The initiatives, which the Minister indicated will roll out in the coming months, include “philosophical approaches that are best addressed in legislation and practical solutions to the challenges students face every day.”
The 10-point plan involves many areas of education including school design; transportation; preparing students for learning after high school; learning for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students; transparency; and the voice of parents.
“We have been looking forward to the Minister’s plan and to the legislation that will follow.” Cochrane added, “As the largest school district in Alberta, we appreciate having a Minister who understands that initiatives have many possible implications so predictable, sustainable funding is crucial for our students.”
Education Minister Introduces 10-point Plan for Education
In a news release today, Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, announced a 10-point plan for education. This plan came out of the Education Act consultations that were open to the public from late November to early January. The Minister hopes to move ahead on these initiatives in the coming months.
The 10-point plan for education includes:
Practical improvements to enhance students’ experiences
-Reducing travel times for students who spend more than one hour on a bus will help improve the school experience. A trial project in one school division will identify bus route efficiencies and improve transportation services. Another trial will look at enabling students to better use technology when they travel.
-Creating more opportunities for students to earn credits in high school and post-secondary programs at the same time will help them be successful in their chosen career. A provincial dual credit strategy will be developed to help school boards develop stronger programs. Separately, a new project will provide apprenticeship training to teachers so they are better equipped to teach advanced dual credit courses in Career & Technology Studies.
-Updating design specifications will mean government can better support communities when we build new schools. New school design specifications will better accommodate health-related services, community sports programs, and wheelchair access.
-Developing a better process for building playgrounds at the same time as new schools will mean that children can be active sooner.
Stronger partnerships to set the right foundation for the future
-Reducing the administrative burden for established, effective charter schools will mean that they can focus on their students.
-Working with the federal government will better co-ordinate support for First Nations students. Our focus will be on enhancing literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on students in Northland and band schools adjacent to Northlands.
-Creating a stronger voice for parents in the education system will supplement the work of school councils. Working with the Alberta School Councils’ Association, new initiatives will be developed to strengthen parental input and new materials will support the department’s online interaction with parents.
-Providing better information about what the school system is doing, accomplishing, and spending will increase transparency, clarity and accountability. More efficient and relevant reporting from school boards will help identify information and ways to present it that are useful for Albertans.
Reviews to set the stage for future decisions
-Reviewing provincial achievement tests, first so that we can find better ways to understand how students, schools, and the system are doing and then so we can use that knowledge to improve students’ success. The review will be launched by spring 2012, and provincial tests will continue for students in grades 3, 6 and 9 until the review is complete and any resulting changes are made.
-Reviewing the learning benefits of full-day kindergarten and identifying operational issues will help us better understand the implications of a possible future programming change.
The Education Act will be reintroduced at the spring sitting of the Legislature.
The 10-point plan for education includes:
Practical improvements to enhance students’ experiences
-Reducing travel times for students who spend more than one hour on a bus will help improve the school experience. A trial project in one school division will identify bus route efficiencies and improve transportation services. Another trial will look at enabling students to better use technology when they travel.
-Creating more opportunities for students to earn credits in high school and post-secondary programs at the same time will help them be successful in their chosen career. A provincial dual credit strategy will be developed to help school boards develop stronger programs. Separately, a new project will provide apprenticeship training to teachers so they are better equipped to teach advanced dual credit courses in Career & Technology Studies.
-Updating design specifications will mean government can better support communities when we build new schools. New school design specifications will better accommodate health-related services, community sports programs, and wheelchair access.
-Developing a better process for building playgrounds at the same time as new schools will mean that children can be active sooner.
Stronger partnerships to set the right foundation for the future
-Reducing the administrative burden for established, effective charter schools will mean that they can focus on their students.
-Working with the federal government will better co-ordinate support for First Nations students. Our focus will be on enhancing literacy and numeracy skills, with a focus on students in Northland and band schools adjacent to Northlands.
-Creating a stronger voice for parents in the education system will supplement the work of school councils. Working with the Alberta School Councils’ Association, new initiatives will be developed to strengthen parental input and new materials will support the department’s online interaction with parents.
-Providing better information about what the school system is doing, accomplishing, and spending will increase transparency, clarity and accountability. More efficient and relevant reporting from school boards will help identify information and ways to present it that are useful for Albertans.
Reviews to set the stage for future decisions
-Reviewing provincial achievement tests, first so that we can find better ways to understand how students, schools, and the system are doing and then so we can use that knowledge to improve students’ success. The review will be launched by spring 2012, and provincial tests will continue for students in grades 3, 6 and 9 until the review is complete and any resulting changes are made.
-Reviewing the learning benefits of full-day kindergarten and identifying operational issues will help us better understand the implications of a possible future programming change.
The Education Act will be reintroduced at the spring sitting of the Legislature.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
School Councils and Parents: Teleconference with Education Minister, Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk
The following notice was distributed today by the Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA):
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL PARENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Minister of Education is hosting a teleconference with parents on school councils at 7:45 pm on November 29th to discuss education.
The Minister believes that parents play an important role in the education system, and is interested in hearing directly from them.
Parents and School Council representatives are invited to participate in the conference call with the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education to discuss priorities for the next several months for Alberta's education system.
Participants are encouraged to gather as a group to dial in where possible.
The call will begin at 7:45 PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 and will take approximately 1 hour.
Please dial in at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time to the number listed below, as it will take time for all participants to be queued into the call and ensure participation.
Dial in information: 1-888-789-9572
Conference ID: # 5634664
When participants dial in they will be greeted by a conference operator asking for the conference ID, the person's name, school and school authority. Participants will be able to ask a limited number of questions following the Minister's comments.
All questions and responses will be heard by all participants and the Minister will answer as many questions as possible in the time allotted. If you experience any problems during the conference call, please stay on the line to speak to the operator.
If participants have any questions in the days leading up to the teleconference, please contact Maureen Melnyk, Education Manager, Learning Supports & Information Management, at maureen.melnyk@gov.ab.ca or by telephone at 780-427-6272, or by calling toll free at 310-0000.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL PARENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS
The Minister of Education is hosting a teleconference with parents on school councils at 7:45 pm on November 29th to discuss education.
The Minister believes that parents play an important role in the education system, and is interested in hearing directly from them.
Parents and School Council representatives are invited to participate in the conference call with the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education to discuss priorities for the next several months for Alberta's education system.
Participants are encouraged to gather as a group to dial in where possible.
The call will begin at 7:45 PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 and will take approximately 1 hour.
Please dial in at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time to the number listed below, as it will take time for all participants to be queued into the call and ensure participation.
Dial in information: 1-888-789-9572
Conference ID: # 5634664
When participants dial in they will be greeted by a conference operator asking for the conference ID, the person's name, school and school authority. Participants will be able to ask a limited number of questions following the Minister's comments.
All questions and responses will be heard by all participants and the Minister will answer as many questions as possible in the time allotted. If you experience any problems during the conference call, please stay on the line to speak to the operator.
If participants have any questions in the days leading up to the teleconference, please contact Maureen Melnyk, Education Manager, Learning Supports & Information Management, at maureen.melnyk@gov.ab.ca or by telephone at 780-427-6272, or by calling toll free at 310-0000.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Alberta Primetime: Full Day Kindergarten
Premier Alison Redford has followed through on her leadership campaign promise to return $107M in funding to education. Now she is working with Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, to deliver on another campaign promise, full-day kindergarten for all.
Eryn Kelly, Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils, along with Cheryl Smith, Vice-President of the Alberta School Boards Association, and Cynthia Prasow, Instructor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Education, participated in an Alberta Primetime panel discussion around the provision of full-day kindergarten to all children in our province.
Panel Highlights:
•Full-day kindergarten offered in British Columbia and Ontario to all children
•In Alberta, full-day kindergarten is available to some, not all children
•Benefits: equity and fairness across province; greater potential for early intervention; improve grade 1 readiness; research shows improvement in literacy, language, social and emotional development - especially for “at risk” children; recognition of the important connection between early learning and later success
•Drawbacks: wide range of readiness for full-day program; availability of space; cost is projected at $200M; staffing pressures; bus ride times
Eryn Kelly, Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils, along with Cheryl Smith, Vice-President of the Alberta School Boards Association, and Cynthia Prasow, Instructor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Education, participated in an Alberta Primetime panel discussion around the provision of full-day kindergarten to all children in our province.
Panel Highlights:
•Full-day kindergarten offered in British Columbia and Ontario to all children
•In Alberta, full-day kindergarten is available to some, not all children
•Benefits: equity and fairness across province; greater potential for early intervention; improve grade 1 readiness; research shows improvement in literacy, language, social and emotional development - especially for “at risk” children; recognition of the important connection between early learning and later success
•Drawbacks: wide range of readiness for full-day program; availability of space; cost is projected at $200M; staffing pressures; bus ride times
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Alberta Government News Release: Education Act pulled from Fall 2011 Legislative Session
In a news release today, the Alberta Government announced that Bill 18 (Education Act) was being pulled from the fall session. The Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Education Minister, made the decision after consulting with school boards and stakeholder organizations. A revised Education Act would be back before the Legislature in the spring after further engagement with students, parents, teachers and the public.
' “It is crucial that this legislation has a direct and positive impact on students,” said Lukaszuk. “I am committed to ensuring our province continues to foster a world-class education system that puts the needs of our children first.” '
The Calgary Board of Education, in a letter dated October 24 from Board Chair, Pat Cochrane, asks that the Minister not rush this legislation through as it needs further development to reflect "the themes identified by Albertans in Inspiring Action." The letter goes on to say, "This is work that is critically important for student learning into the future." (Board Report: Correspondence, page 25)
In an email dated October 21, the Alberta School Boards' Association provided the Education Minister with some highlighted provisions that they felt needed clarification and/or addititional context. These included provisions around Age of Access, Compulsory Education, Student/Parent/Board Responsibilities and Suspensions/Expulsions.
FAQ: Education Act (General) from Alberta Education website
FAQ: Education Act (Parents and Students) from Alberta School Councils Association website
' “It is crucial that this legislation has a direct and positive impact on students,” said Lukaszuk. “I am committed to ensuring our province continues to foster a world-class education system that puts the needs of our children first.” '
The Calgary Board of Education, in a letter dated October 24 from Board Chair, Pat Cochrane, asks that the Minister not rush this legislation through as it needs further development to reflect "the themes identified by Albertans in Inspiring Action." The letter goes on to say, "This is work that is critically important for student learning into the future." (Board Report: Correspondence, page 25)
In an email dated October 21, the Alberta School Boards' Association provided the Education Minister with some highlighted provisions that they felt needed clarification and/or addititional context. These included provisions around Age of Access, Compulsory Education, Student/Parent/Board Responsibilities and Suspensions/Expulsions.
FAQ: Education Act (General) from Alberta Education website
FAQ: Education Act (Parents and Students) from Alberta School Councils Association website
Full Day Kindergarten
During the PC Leadership campaign, Premier Alison Redford pledged to introduce full day kindergarten within one year of forming government. With this support, Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk has said he will be discussing the issue with school boards and requesting funding from the Treasury Board to implement full day kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year.
Currently, kindergarten is not mandatory but over 95% of Alberta's children participate.
Eight years ago, Alberta's Commission on Learning Report and Recommendations called for the establishment of full day kindergarten (see pages pages 46-47). A Calgary Board of Education Report summarizing research is cited in the report, and an excerpt follows:
• A developmentally appropriate full-day program benefits children academically and socially - especially children from low socio-economic or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
• Teachers preferred full-day to half-day programs
• Parents reacted favourably to the full-day schedule
• Full-day kindergarten may reduce the long-term costs for special and remedial education.
'“... All studies indicated a positive relation between participation in full-day kindergarten and subsequent school performance. Higher achievement in academic development as well as greater growth in social and behavioural development is consistently reported ... All studies reviewed here suggest that a full-day developmentally appropriate kindergarten program is especially beneficial to children from low socioeconomic levels and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.”'
The Calgary Board of Education began providing full day kindergarten in 2005 to children who would benefit most.
What do teachers have to say about full day kindergarten? Check out this Alberta Teachers' Association article.
Currently, kindergarten is not mandatory but over 95% of Alberta's children participate.
Eight years ago, Alberta's Commission on Learning Report and Recommendations called for the establishment of full day kindergarten (see pages pages 46-47). A Calgary Board of Education Report summarizing research is cited in the report, and an excerpt follows:
• A developmentally appropriate full-day program benefits children academically and socially - especially children from low socio-economic or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
• Teachers preferred full-day to half-day programs
• Parents reacted favourably to the full-day schedule
• Full-day kindergarten may reduce the long-term costs for special and remedial education.
'“... All studies indicated a positive relation between participation in full-day kindergarten and subsequent school performance. Higher achievement in academic development as well as greater growth in social and behavioural development is consistently reported ... All studies reviewed here suggest that a full-day developmentally appropriate kindergarten program is especially beneficial to children from low socioeconomic levels and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.”'
The Calgary Board of Education began providing full day kindergarten in 2005 to children who would benefit most.
What do teachers have to say about full day kindergarten? Check out this Alberta Teachers' Association article.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thomas Lukaszuk is Alberta’s New Education Minister
Former Minister of Employment and Immigration, Thomas Lukaszuk was appointed Education Minister this morning by Premier Alison Redford. Mr. Lukaszuk is serving his third term as a MLA representing the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs. He has served on a wide range of legislative and government committees that will serve him well in the education portfolio. Most notably, he served as the parliamentary assistant for Municipal Affairs; served on the Standing Committee on Law and Regulations; served on the Standing Policy Committee on Health and Community Living; chaired the MLA Committee to Review Low-Income Programs; chaired the MLA Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Review Committee; chaired the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multicultural Education Fund Advisory Committee; and, served on the Teachers Pension Plan Unfunded Pension Liability Task Force.
Mr. Lukaszuk, who is married and has a young family, holds a BA in Education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools until starting up the firm Injured Workers Advocates Inc. He has also received many honours for his volunteer contributions in the community and across the province.
For more information:
Legislative Assembly Biography
My PC MLA
Mr. Lukaszuk, who is married and has a young family, holds a BA in Education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools until starting up the firm Injured Workers Advocates Inc. He has also received many honours for his volunteer contributions in the community and across the province.
For more information:
Legislative Assembly Biography
My PC MLA
Monday, January 31, 2011
SOFA Meeting with Education Minister Dave Hancock was a big success!
On January 25, Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA) hosted a meeting with the Education Minister to highlight Fine Arts curriculum and how it fits with the Inspiring Education initiative. Bill Campbell, Co-Chair, has just posted an update on their website that also includes links to the various video presentations shared at the meeting. Approximately 650 people attended the event.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA) Hosting a Public Meeting with Education Minister Dave Hancock
On January 25, 2011 at 7:30 pm, Education Minister Dave Hancock will be attending a public meeting hosted by SOFA at Central Memorial High School here in Calgary. SOFA is an advocacy group focused on efforts to maintain and enhance K to 12 fine arts education. The Hon. Dave Hancock will address Alberta Education's Inspiring Action initiative and the role fine arts education will play in the transformation of our education system. For more information about this meeting check their website.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Our New Board of Trustees
CAPSC welcomes the new Board of Trustees!
Wards 1 & 2: Joy Bowen-Eyre
Wards 3 & 4: Lynn Ferguson
Wards 5 & 10: Pamela King
Wards 6 & 7: George Lane
Wards 8 & 9: Pat Cochrane
Wards 11 & 13: Sheila Taylor
Wards 12 & 14: Carol Bazinet
The trustees will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 26 at 3 pm followed at 5 pm by the organizational meeting. At that point, the board will have a new chair and CAPSC will have a new trustee liaison.
Around the province...
The Education Minister, Dave Hancock, blogged about "The Informed Transformation of Trusteeship." The Public School Boards Association of Alberta weighed in as well with their posting, "Big Opportunities Await School Boards Post-Election."
Wards 1 & 2: Joy Bowen-Eyre
Wards 3 & 4: Lynn Ferguson
Wards 5 & 10: Pamela King
Wards 6 & 7: George Lane
Wards 8 & 9: Pat Cochrane
Wards 11 & 13: Sheila Taylor
Wards 12 & 14: Carol Bazinet
The trustees will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 26 at 3 pm followed at 5 pm by the organizational meeting. At that point, the board will have a new chair and CAPSC will have a new trustee liaison.
Around the province...
The Education Minister, Dave Hancock, blogged about "The Informed Transformation of Trusteeship." The Public School Boards Association of Alberta weighed in as well with their posting, "Big Opportunities Await School Boards Post-Election."
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Transformation of Education: Video Q & A with Education Minister Dave Hancock
Check out this video Q & A with the Education Minister - it runs just under 15 minutes. Questions came from the public all over Alberta. Of interest, is the discussion on the governance process/boards, wrap around services, personalized learning and technology.
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