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.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
CAPSC Stakeholder Report December 20th
Chair Cochrane, Trustees
My name is Eryn Kelly and I am the Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils (CAPSC). Leslie Newton my Co-President is also with me.
We understand the Report from the Working Group Established to Review Board Meeting Procedures is a series of recommendations that is intended to bring the conversation around public engagement and governance to a public meeting of the Board of Trustees and that no decisions have been made. We did speak with Chair Cochrane earlier in the day, shared our views and asked questions regarding this report, and were assured that the intent is to improve the public engagement process, not limit public input at board meetings.
We would like to take this opportunity to provide some preliminary feedback regarding this working document.
CAPSC recognizes that there is a need to improve the public engagement process with the Board of Trustees as it relates to board meetings. We would like the board to confirm for us that parents and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input and help shape that process.
Stakeholder reports and public inquiries can be limiting and in particular, the stakeholder report can be an intimidating form of engagement for many parents so welcome a process that allows for fuller dialogue and a less formal opportunity to engage. However, until we have a better idea of what these strategic communication dialogues will look like and how they may impact these reports and inquiries, we ask that they not be suspended.
As for the recommendations that are related to governance, we believe that the public needs a more detailed rationale for the proposed changes and how the new processes will ensure enhanced transparency and accountability.
We look forward to learning more as trustees discuss and debate the contents of this working report at tonight's meeting. We will be sharing what we have learned with our members and will invite their questions and comments. We will share this feedback with the Board.
Thank you for your time
Monday, December 19, 2011
Alberta Education: Fall Budget Update
In a news release today, Alberta Education shared the Fall Update to the 2011/2012 Budget that offers a provincial overview of how school jurisdictions spent their portion of the $107M in additional funding from the province. Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, observed that, '“Like any investment, Albertans want to be assured the dollars went to the right place and improved the overall learning experience of students. They can be confident that this is the case.”'
The update indicates that approximately 623 teachers and 397 support staff were hired throughout the province for a total of nearly $88M. Another $19M was spent on technology, equipment/materials and teacher professional development.
In a report submitted by the Calgary Board of Education that forms part of this update, the entire $19.2M of additional funding went out to schools and was spent on staff. Schools hired 159.45 FTE teachers and 64.48 FTE support staff.
Of the $19.2M of funding, $4.2M was directed to the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) by Alberta Education. The CBE used this money to hire 44.97 FTE positions to support Personalized Learning school-based projects.
The remaining $15M was used to hire 179.16 FTEs at the school level. Schools hired staff to support class size, English Language Learners, Special Education students, enhancement of supports for all learners, second language learning, enrolment growth (decline), Knowledge and Employability courses and Career and Technology Studies. A chart outlining the number of schools that supported these categories is included in the report.
The update indicates that approximately 623 teachers and 397 support staff were hired throughout the province for a total of nearly $88M. Another $19M was spent on technology, equipment/materials and teacher professional development.
In a report submitted by the Calgary Board of Education that forms part of this update, the entire $19.2M of additional funding went out to schools and was spent on staff. Schools hired 159.45 FTE teachers and 64.48 FTE support staff.
Of the $19.2M of funding, $4.2M was directed to the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) by Alberta Education. The CBE used this money to hire 44.97 FTE positions to support Personalized Learning school-based projects.
The remaining $15M was used to hire 179.16 FTEs at the school level. Schools hired staff to support class size, English Language Learners, Special Education students, enhancement of supports for all learners, second language learning, enrolment growth (decline), Knowledge and Employability courses and Career and Technology Studies. A chart outlining the number of schools that supported these categories is included in the report.
Friday, December 9, 2011
CBE Key Communique: Calgary Herald Corrects Error
The following article appeared in the latest Key Communique from CBE Communications:
Calgary Herald corrects error
The Calgary Herald has published a correction to a story carried on the front of the City Section on Wednesday.
The Herald incorrectly reported on Dec. 7 that the Calgary Board of Education finished the 2010-11 fiscal year with a “surplus," finishing the year “$10.9M in black.” In fact, the CBE had an operating deficit. To balance the budget the CBE had to use reserves.
The Herald also reported incorrectly that the CBE had "spent $7.7 million more than in its rainy day fund." To be correct, this should have said “spent less.”
While the original story appeared on Page one of the city section, the correction is a brief item published today on Page A2. The online version of the story has been corrected.
"This is at least the second time this year that incorrect stories about the CBE have been front-page headlines in the Herald," says Richard Peter, the CBE's chief communications officer. "Everyone makes mistakes but it's disappointing in two ways. Accurate reporting would not have been front-page news and the correction never has the same profile as the original story."
The other error that grabbed headlines was a story about noon supervision fees. A front-page Herald story on May 14 incorrectly reported that the CBE proposed to increase noon supervision fees by 40 per cent. In fact the proposed increase was five per cent—which is significantly less newsworthy. The correction appeared on Page A2.
Read the latest online story from the Herald.
Calgary Herald corrects error
The Calgary Herald has published a correction to a story carried on the front of the City Section on Wednesday.
The Herald incorrectly reported on Dec. 7 that the Calgary Board of Education finished the 2010-11 fiscal year with a “surplus," finishing the year “$10.9M in black.” In fact, the CBE had an operating deficit. To balance the budget the CBE had to use reserves.
The Herald also reported incorrectly that the CBE had "spent $7.7 million more than in its rainy day fund." To be correct, this should have said “spent less.”
While the original story appeared on Page one of the city section, the correction is a brief item published today on Page A2. The online version of the story has been corrected.
"This is at least the second time this year that incorrect stories about the CBE have been front-page headlines in the Herald," says Richard Peter, the CBE's chief communications officer. "Everyone makes mistakes but it's disappointing in two ways. Accurate reporting would not have been front-page news and the correction never has the same profile as the original story."
The other error that grabbed headlines was a story about noon supervision fees. A front-page Herald story on May 14 incorrectly reported that the CBE proposed to increase noon supervision fees by 40 per cent. In fact the proposed increase was five per cent—which is significantly less newsworthy. The correction appeared on Page A2.
Read the latest online story from the Herald.
Monday, December 5, 2011
CBE fall budget update including additional funding
The Calgary Board of Education issued a news release today concerning the quarterly update that will include information on additional funding received this fall. The text of the release follows:
The Calgary Board of Education's Administration presents an updated budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 6.
The operating budget for the school year is approved annually by the Board of Trustees in June. In the fall, after enrolment figures are finalized as of Sept. 30, Administration provides a budget update to the Board of Trustees for approval.
The 2011 fall budget update is largely unchanged from June.
Budget revenue of $1.130 billion is up $30.2 million since June as a result of:
-$19.2 million of additional, one-time funding from the province announced in October;
-$2.5 million of funding to support inclusive education ( Action on Inclusion);
-$1.0 million for transportation fuel;
-Base funding increases of $1.4 million related to enrolment growth; and
-Use of $6.1 million of revenue that was carried forward from 2010-11 to complete planned initiatives.
When the provincial government returned $107 million to the education budget in October the CBE portion was $19.2 million. The CBE distributed the funding directly to principals, enabling them to decide the best way for the money to be used in their schools. The funding enabled the CBE to hire the equivalent of 224 full-time, positions in schools; 159.5 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) were teachers and 64.7 FTEs were support staff.
An inclusive education system means that children and youth, regardless of their ability or disability, language, cultural background, gender or age are valued in the same way.
The provincial government reinstated funding to offset increases in the price of diesel for school buses.
The total CBE enrolment as of Sept. 30 was 104,212 students. This is 880 more students than the June forecast. The increased enrolment, which is funded by the government, translated into $1.4 million of additional funding.
The report to the Board of Trustees entitled "November 30, 2011 Budget Report Update to the 2011/12 Operating Budget" is available at this link.
The Calgary Board of Education's Administration presents an updated budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 6.
The operating budget for the school year is approved annually by the Board of Trustees in June. In the fall, after enrolment figures are finalized as of Sept. 30, Administration provides a budget update to the Board of Trustees for approval.
The 2011 fall budget update is largely unchanged from June.
Budget revenue of $1.130 billion is up $30.2 million since June as a result of:
-$19.2 million of additional, one-time funding from the province announced in October;
-$2.5 million of funding to support inclusive education ( Action on Inclusion);
-$1.0 million for transportation fuel;
-Base funding increases of $1.4 million related to enrolment growth; and
-Use of $6.1 million of revenue that was carried forward from 2010-11 to complete planned initiatives.
When the provincial government returned $107 million to the education budget in October the CBE portion was $19.2 million. The CBE distributed the funding directly to principals, enabling them to decide the best way for the money to be used in their schools. The funding enabled the CBE to hire the equivalent of 224 full-time, positions in schools; 159.5 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) were teachers and 64.7 FTEs were support staff.
An inclusive education system means that children and youth, regardless of their ability or disability, language, cultural background, gender or age are valued in the same way.
The provincial government reinstated funding to offset increases in the price of diesel for school buses.
The total CBE enrolment as of Sept. 30 was 104,212 students. This is 880 more students than the June forecast. The increased enrolment, which is funded by the government, translated into $1.4 million of additional funding.
The report to the Board of Trustees entitled "November 30, 2011 Budget Report Update to the 2011/12 Operating Budget" is available at this link.
CBE News Release: Year-end financial Report
The Calgary Board of Education issued a news release today highlighting their 2010/2011 fiscal year. The text of the release follows:
The Board of Trustees will review the audited 2010-11 financial statements for the Calgary Board of Education during the public meeting on Dec. 6.
Highlights for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2011, include:
-balanced operating results for the year;
-revenue was $1.050 billion—91.4 per cent of which comes from the provincial government;
-expenses were $1.055 billion—76 per cent of which is salaries and benefits; and
-administration costs were 3.8 per cent of the operating budget—better than the four per cent provincial spending cap.
Balancing the budget required the system to use $8.7 million of reserves. The requirement to use reserves is less than the $16.4 million forecast. The difference reflects system and school-based decisions to slow spending in the current year when they know the next budget will be tight. The result across our 221-school system is that about $7.7 million budgeted was not spent in 2010-11. This represents a variance of just 0.8 per cent of the year’s operating budget.
The $7.7 million of reserves not used in 2010-11 is earmarked to be spent in 2011-12 to complete planned initiatives.
"The financial statements demonstrate how we responsibly manage public funding to educate more than 100,000 students," says Naomi Johnson, Chief Superintendent of Schools. "The ultimate measure of our success is student learning. Our academic results confirm 2010-11 was an exceptional year."
The financial statements remain drafts until they are approved by the Board of Trustees. Drafts are available in reports for the public meeting on Dec. 6 at this link.
Additional highlights of the financial report will be available in the CBE's combined Annual Education Results Report and Three-year Education Plan. The report will posted at www.cbe.ab.ca after it has been approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees will review the audited 2010-11 financial statements for the Calgary Board of Education during the public meeting on Dec. 6.
Highlights for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2011, include:
-balanced operating results for the year;
-revenue was $1.050 billion—91.4 per cent of which comes from the provincial government;
-expenses were $1.055 billion—76 per cent of which is salaries and benefits; and
-administration costs were 3.8 per cent of the operating budget—better than the four per cent provincial spending cap.
Balancing the budget required the system to use $8.7 million of reserves. The requirement to use reserves is less than the $16.4 million forecast. The difference reflects system and school-based decisions to slow spending in the current year when they know the next budget will be tight. The result across our 221-school system is that about $7.7 million budgeted was not spent in 2010-11. This represents a variance of just 0.8 per cent of the year’s operating budget.
The $7.7 million of reserves not used in 2010-11 is earmarked to be spent in 2011-12 to complete planned initiatives.
"The financial statements demonstrate how we responsibly manage public funding to educate more than 100,000 students," says Naomi Johnson, Chief Superintendent of Schools. "The ultimate measure of our success is student learning. Our academic results confirm 2010-11 was an exceptional year."
The financial statements remain drafts until they are approved by the Board of Trustees. Drafts are available in reports for the public meeting on Dec. 6 at this link.
Additional highlights of the financial report will be available in the CBE's combined Annual Education Results Report and Three-year Education Plan. The report will posted at www.cbe.ab.ca after it has been approved by the Board of Trustees.
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.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Alberta Education offering more opportunities to provide feedback on the Education Act
In a news release today, the Alberta Government is asking all Albertans - young and old - to provide feedback on the Education Act. In addition to the forums that were announced previously, the public can engage online through discussion boards, facebook and twitter along with providing written submissions to the Minister.
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