Dr. Sharon Friesen's presentation at CAPSC meeting

At last night's CAPSC meeting, Dr. Sharon Friesen referenced the book "How People Learn," citing it as the best research available at this time on student learning. You can download it for free from the National Academies Press website. She also shared that Inspiring Education and Action on Inclusion were written to be in alignment with the research in the book.

Dr. Friesen also talked about the history of public education and its genesis in the factory model and why we need to rethink the model and transform learning to meet the needs of our students in a world characterized by increasing globalization and the use of digital technologies. You can watch her Inspiring Education video on this topic at Youtube.

She also has a video on EDTalks entitled, "Creating knowledge building environments" that captures much of what she had to say about what really influences student learning.

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.

Inspiring Education: Minister Hancock's Message to Trustees 2010

This youtube video featuring Minister Hancock's message to Trustees is of interest to parents as well. He talks about the transformation of our education system and the role trustees will play in supporting it.

Alberta Education Wants Your Input!

Alberta Education is asking for your input on the future of education in the province. A new Transformation Guide survey is now open, and focuses on topics such as personalized learning, inclusive education and school facilities. There will also be an opportunity to participate in an online facilitated dialogue at a later date.