May 2010 Links

1. Improvement verses Transformation see How to Transform Learning in Schools?
2. Public Consultations verses Generative Organic Dialogue see Towards Generative Community Dialogue
3. Comparing FACTnet and Inpiring Education Dialogue Systems

Alberta Education Links A;pril 2010

PLT Days

20 Percent “Free Time” in School

• CTS Options
• Individual Studies
• Outreach Courses
• Distance Education

Character and Citizenship Education

Relates to section 45(8) of the School Act and it states :

(8) A board shall ensure that each student enrolled in a school

operated by the board is provided with a safe and caring

environment that fosters and maintains respectful and responsible

Heart of the Matter document

 http://education.alberta.ca/media/547951/heartmatter.pdf

This document details Character Education suggestions.  Chapter 10 is on Parental Involvement, which has some good suggestions for School Council and Parents As Coaches.

Page 1 of The Heart of the Matter refers to the Guide to Education as outlining key skills, knowledge and attitudes related to character education. I [person from Alberta Education] believe this statement is referring to page 1 of the Guide where it lists the Student Learning Outcomes.  See http://www.education.alberta.ca/media/832568/guidetoed.pdf

February 16th update

See links for information on  Parents as Media (Internet) Coaches

Jan. 5 Scholarship Session for Parents & Minister's Update

Student Services is holding a special session on Scholarships for parents:

• Date: Jan. 5th
• Time: 7 pm
• Place: room 102 first floor computer lab

See Parents As Academic Coaches (SGCHS)

Updates:

• Parkland School Division 70's submission on the School Act. discussion paper.
• Minister of Education Year End News Letter 

Below is Spruce Grove Composite High School - School Council's response to the foundational themes (in bold) from the discussion paper on the School Act.

1. All Alberta children have a superseding right of access to the ECS -12 public education system which is not dependent on where they reside.

If funding is extended for ECS services to non early intervention children, then all children should be funded including parents who stay home with their children.  If this is the case, there needs to be an accountability for this funding.  Parents should have a choice in ECS education, with funded preschool programs that are not just childcare for the whole day.  The official age for school entry should remain grade one with readiness assessments taking place prior to grade 1.

2. Students should be able to access instruction at any time, any place, and at their own pace.

Having an age 16 and completion requirement or grade 12 might be the solution to this.  Whichever comes first.  Existing structures need to change for this to happen e.g. diploma exams should not be written only on a specific date.

3. Student success is the primary goal of the education system and government has a responsibility to provide the structure and supports to maximize it.

Parents helping Parents  (Preschool groups, School Council's etc.) need to be supported and work together with professionals so that students and parents receive the support they need to succeed.  

Coaching Sessions for Parents 2010

Coaching Sessions are part of our Parents as Coaches initiative.  The following sessions are proposed for 2010

1. Most of these sessions will be held in conjunction with the school council meeting.  Parents are free to attend either the coaching session or the meeting or both.
2. January - Inspiring Education Overview and Update - Preparation for February Sessions.  If you have suggestions please email sgchsp@gmail.com or comment to this post.  If you or someone you know wants to help out with these sessions, please have them attend this meeting.
3. February - Information Technology in Education Sessions (Internet, Facebook, Blogs, Twitter etc.).
4. March - Preparation for April Sessions. If you have suggestions please email sgchsp@gmail.com or comment to this post.  If you or someone you know wants to help out with these sessions, please have them attend this meeting.
5. April - Next steps in coaching your student sessions.  Answering Questions like What courses should they take?  Which activities should they be involved in?  How do we develop their character?  How do we resolve problems? ECT.
6. May - Planning for next year. If you have suggestions please email sgchsp@gmail.com or comment to this post.  If you or someone you know wants to help out next year or make suggestions in person, please have them attend this meeting.

update 09/0916

See Update 09/09/14

COSC Conference Planning

Blog Administration and Coordination

• School division unofficial support
• Participation in FACTSnet Blogs
• Student Administrators
• Teacher (Optional Parent) Coordinators
• Sponsor Blogger Workshop
  

Email : sghsp@gmail.com

Update 09/09/14

Reminder of School Council meeting and elections Tue. Sept. 15, 7pm in the conference room.

See up date on Inspiring Education Local Conversations May - June 09 follow October Forum link for an invite to the final event.