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.

Tripartite Discussions: Alberta Education, ASBA and ATA Issue a Joint Statement

A joint statement was released today by Alberta Education, the Alberta School Boards Association and the Alberta Teachers' Association regarding the Tripartite discussions. The letter stated that they will "not be moving ahead with an agreement at this time." These discussions began last fall and centred around workforce stability and the transformation of K to 12 Education.

Teachers Have Questions Arising from Latest Update on the Tripartite Discussions

Calgary Public Teachers ATA Local 38 representatives joined their counterparts from across the province in Edmonton January 15 to discuss updates from the Alberta Teachers' Association regarding the ongoing tripartite discussions.

Representatives had many questions about some of the proposals. In particular, how assignable time and instructional time limits would be enforced and given the possible reduction in time spent teaching how would the curriculum be adjusted in response. They were assured by ATA staff that these concerns were noted and being explored further in the process.

Stay tuned...

Action on Inclusion Update

Dianne McConnell, Director - Action on Inclusion, was speaking at a leadership conference held jointly by the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS)and Alberta Education centred on the development of a common understanding of inclusive practices. Ms. McConnell spoke to the wrap around approach that Alberta Education is taking towards inclusion. Other topics covered at the meeting included learning coaches, differentiated instruction, inclusive classroom planning, the continuum of supports and services, and the video Eryn shared in the previous posting.

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms

CBE Response to the Education Act 2011 Framework

By popular demand, here is the link to the Calgary Board of Education Perspective on the Education Act 2011 Proposed Framework. Once on the link, if you have a bookmark, just click on the direct link - or scroll down towards the end of the trustee board package (agenda/reports).

Of interest, as well, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has an interesting link to an article on the subject of appointing trustees as it relates to the framework.

Calling all Bloggers: Sir Ken Robinson Blogathon

As many of you know Sir Ken Robinson will be in Red Deer on Feb 9th. CAPSC is excited to attend this event. Recently a Red Deer teacher and blogger, Joe Bower, suggested that we participate in a Sir Ken Robinson Blogathon! His goal is to start and keep the conversation going. We jumped on board right away! 

Many of our members share concerns and ideas as to how we can keep creativity in our classrooms. With the SOFA event coming up next week this important topic is really on our minds right now; but we want to make sure community members, parents, students and Educators keep the conversation going. 

Some of the things that Joe Bower suggested as conversation starters were:

• What role should creativity play in education?
• In what ways does school need to change? (And I would add to that in what way does formal education need to change?)
• How can school broaden its definition of achievement?
• How can school do a better job of encouraging all children to find their passion?
• What needs to happen so that school is something to be enjoyed rather than simply endured?

This is a great starting point and we look forward to your thoughts!

Eryn Kelly