Let’s Talk... The New Education Act!

Welcome!

“It is essential to prepare our students for their future,

not our present.”

The Honourable Dave HancockThe Riverbend Ragg Times (September 2010, p. 9)

1) SPEAK OUT Student Engagement Initiative

Online, forums, Annual Conference, Minister’s Student Advisory Council

What is the New Act based on?

... adults (parents/guardians and teachers) should communicate with them more effectively and frequently and adapt to students’ personalized learning styles

...students should take more responsibility for their own education by studying more, paying attention, and supporting each other (Forum results)

WHAT STUDENTS SAID

2) Setting the Direction for Special Needs Education engagement Initiative

2008 (consultation to create new framework)

2009 (proposed framework presented to the Minister)

2010 (the Minister responds with strategies for Curriculum, Capacity Building & Collaboration)

What is the new Act based on?

“One inclusive education system where each student is successful.”

NEW VISION

3) Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans

This initiative has developed a twenty-year vision of an educated Albertan as someone who is ...

What is the new Act based on?

An engaged thinker An ethical citizen An entrepreneurial spirit

21st CENTURY ALBERTAN

Through Legislation Through Regulation Through Ongoing Discussion, Creativity, and

Innovation throughout the entire system

Turning the Vision into Reality

Draft of Proposed Framework released for Discussion (October 2010)

Legislation finalized and presented to Caucus (RIGHT NOW)

Early to Mid-February: Session commences.

LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Minister requests permission to introduce the new legislation

First reading (No debate) Second Reading (Debate confined to

principles) Referral to Committee (Detailed

examination & amendments) Third Reading (Debate, Amendments) Royal Assent and Proclamation

During the Legislative Session

Once the legislation is passed, regulations will be written.

Regulations & Forward!

To provide some basic “nugget” information on what the Act is expected to contain

To help you begin the process of assessing the Act.

Purpose of Tonight

Will the new Act support making the vision a reality?

What excites you?

What questions do you have?

Ultimate Questions

Preamble1) Access to Education2) Opportunities for Learning3) Student Needs & Dispute Resolution4) Governance and Roles5) Financial Responsibility6) Educational Professions & Occupations.

NEW ACT in 7 parts

Tonight we will look at only three parts of the proposed framework document circulated in early October:

The Preamble (which sets out the Vision) Governance and Roles Financial Responsibility

EXAMINATION OF 3 PARTS

To Listen and Learn With your permission, to collect your

questions and comments at the end and share them with our SW MLAs, with my fellow trustees, on my website, through my Insights e-letter

Any problems with mentioning your presence by name?

Any questions?

My Task Tonight

Individually, read through the information provided and note what excites you and any questions you have.

Share questions and comments around the table. All questions and comments valid. Not trying to reach a consensus.

One person to record the questions on the flip chart.

One person to report back.

Your Task Tonight x 3

INTRODUCTIONS!

Please introduce yourself to your table companions by giving your name.

In one or two sentences… why are you here tonight?

But First…

If the Minister were in the room... What would you tell him that you are

excited about? What questions do you have?

YOUR TURN: The Preamble

If the Minister were in the room... What would you tell him that you are

excited about? What questions do you have?

YOUR TURN: Governance & Roles

If the Minister were in the room... What would you tell him that you are

excited about? What questions do you have?

YOUR TURN: Financial Responsibility

Summing Up!

To share what you’re excited about, your comments, and your questions with ...

our SW MLAs, The Honourable Dave Hancock and Mr. Fred Horne

with my fellow trustees With the community on my website and

through my Insights e-letterTo share the model of meeting with other

trustees in the province.

NEXT STEPS (ME)

I encourage you To inform your friends and family, fellow

parents, School Councils about the fundamental importance of the new legislation – this “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

Make time to study the new legislation once it is introduced: What do you support? What excites you? What questions do you have?

Let your MLA know!

NEXT STEPS (YOU)

THANK YOU!