Ministry of Education

BCSTA Provincial Council Meeting

February 10, 2007

Emery Dosdall, Deputy Minister

The Year Ahead

Great Goal #1 - To make BC the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.

Great Goal # 2 – To lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness.

Transformative Change….

Great Goal #1 - To make BC the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent.

Great Goal # 2 – To lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness.

Transformative Change….

Communications - The Public Education Story

What we know… While BC schools are among the best in the world, results have levelled off –

and in some cases even declined. Overall school completion rates haven’t changed for the past four years, and

last year Aboriginal and ESL student rates declined. More than 11,000 students a year are not graduating from our schools. One in four students started Kindergarten this year (more than 9,000)

without the developmental skills needed to succeed. British Columbia is one of the highest performing system in Canada and has

the lowest public confidence ratings. (61% of BC parents give their schools a grade of A or B compared to 72% nationally).

Telling the BC story about our successes & challenges… Minister’s Education Report (bi-weekly) Deputy Minister’s Report on Education (weekly)

What we know… While BC schools are among the best in the world, results have levelled off –

and in some cases even declined. Overall school completion rates haven’t changed for the past four years, and

last year Aboriginal and ESL student rates declined. More than 11,000 students a year are not graduating from our schools. One in four students started Kindergarten this year (more than 9,000)

without the developmental skills needed to succeed. British Columbia is one of the highest performing system in Canada and has

the lowest public confidence ratings. (61% of BC parents give their schools a grade of A or B compared to 72% nationally).

Telling the BC story about our successes & challenges… Minister’s Education Report (bi-weekly) Deputy Minister’s Report on Education (weekly)

Potential Provincial Policy Directions

BC Progress Board Report Recommendations

1. Continue to stress accountability and support the accountability framework.

2. Further develop intervention strategies that support learning.3. Engage in community cooperation to promote literacy at the

local level.4. Step up K-12 and post-secondary cooperation to ease transitions.5. Use test results and evidence in the development of long term

plans for improvement.6. Enhance existing funding mechanisms or introduce new

mechanisms to fund strategic initiatives that will lead to better individual student and system outcomes.

BC Progress Board Report Recommendations

1. Continue to stress accountability and support the accountability framework.

2. Further develop intervention strategies that support learning.3. Engage in community cooperation to promote literacy at the

local level.4. Step up K-12 and post-secondary cooperation to ease transitions.5. Use test results and evidence in the development of long term

plans for improvement.6. Enhance existing funding mechanisms or introduce new

mechanisms to fund strategic initiatives that will lead to better individual student and system outcomes.

Potential Provincial Policy Directions

Select Standing Committee

Enhance and integrate capacity for functional literacy Single coordinating unit for strategy development and implementation, funding and

program evaluation Collaborative and coordinated approach at the community level

Increase enrolment and retention Relevant learning opportunities in a variety of settings Welcoming learning environments – adult-oriented materials and methods Working with employers and unions to define roles and interests in the work place E-learning

Raise public awareness Extensive media campaign

Take preventative steps Simple screening test

Select Standing Committee

Enhance and integrate capacity for functional literacy Single coordinating unit for strategy development and implementation, funding and

program evaluation Collaborative and coordinated approach at the community level

Increase enrolment and retention Relevant learning opportunities in a variety of settings Welcoming learning environments – adult-oriented materials and methods Working with employers and unions to define roles and interests in the work place E-learning

Raise public awareness Extensive media campaign

Take preventative steps Simple screening test

Potential Provincial Policy Directions

Canadian Council of Learning Recommendations

“Canada must improve the overall literacy skills of its workers to ensure we remain economically competitive on the world stage.”

Ensure there is a concerted, collaborative effort from all sectors of society – government, employers, unions, educators and individual citizens

Raise the average level of literacy among the Canadian population as a whole

Address literacy needs of specific groups Canadian-born workers with below-adequate literacy skills Immigrant workers Canadians with inadequate literacy skills Aboriginal adults

Canadian Council of Learning Recommendations

“Canada must improve the overall literacy skills of its workers to ensure we remain economically competitive on the world stage.”

Ensure there is a concerted, collaborative effort from all sectors of society – government, employers, unions, educators and individual citizens

Raise the average level of literacy among the Canadian population as a whole

Address literacy needs of specific groups Canadian-born workers with below-adequate literacy skills Immigrant workers Canadians with inadequate literacy skills Aboriginal adults

Enrolment Trends – Public Education

Affirms existing class size maximums for Primary classrooms

Grades 4 – 7. Conditions must be met to exceed 30

Grades 8 – 12. Other conditions apply to exceed 30

Affirms existing class size maximums for Primary classrooms

Grades 4 – 7. Conditions must be met to exceed 30

Grades 8 – 12. Other conditions apply to exceed 30

No exceptions

ConsentApprovalPublic Rationale

ConsultApprovalPublic Rationale

No exceptions

ConsentApprovalPublic Rationale

ConsultApprovalPublic Rationale

Bill 33 – Class Size

Establishes legal guidelines for class composition

Establishes clearly which students “count” for purposes of class composition

Judgment applied to class composition to provide acceptable learning environment for all students

Establishes legal guidelines for class composition

Establishes clearly which students “count” for purposes of class composition

Judgment applied to class composition to provide acceptable learning environment for all students

No arbitrary cap on numbers of students with special needs.

Factors considered include nature of the course/class, nature of the students and resources provided in support of learning.

No arbitrary cap on numbers of students with special needs.

Factors considered include nature of the course/class, nature of the students and resources provided in support of learning.

Bill 33 – Class Composition

Average Class Size

Class Size 06/07 - Highlights

K 1 - 3 4 - 7 8 - 12

2005/06 17.7 20.8 26.3 25.0

2006/07 17.5 20.3 25.8 24.4

Average Class Size - Province

Distribution of Class Size - Province

< 20 20 - 25 25 - 30 30 - 35 36 - 40 > 40

2005/06 12084 20980 25182 8768 308 177

2006/07 13002 21913 30508 2856 146 240

Class Size 06/07 – Quick Facts

Enrolment decline by about 11,300 school-aged students.

There are 178 more teachers and 406 more teacher assistants working with students this year than last.

The pupil/teacher ratio is 18.2 – This is as low as it has ever been in the province.

Enrolment decline by about 11,300 school-aged students.

There are 178 more teachers and 406 more teacher assistants working with students this year than last.

The pupil/teacher ratio is 18.2 – This is as low as it has ever been in the province.

Deal or No Deal

Vince Ready Report

1. 8 Months prior to expirya. Establish Objectives

b. Appointed Facilitator/Mediator

2. Government Appointee on BCPSEA Bargaining Committee

3. Development of Data/HR System

Vince Ready Report

1. 8 Months prior to expirya. Establish Objectives

b. Appointed Facilitator/Mediator

2. Government Appointee on BCPSEA Bargaining Committee

3. Development of Data/HR System

Graduation Portfolio - Policy Change

Portfolio Revised Requirements

Core:1. Arts & Design

2. Community Involvement and Responsibility

3. Education & Career Planning

4. Employability Skills

5. Information Technology

6. Personal Health

Choice Presentation

1. Physical Activity (80 hrs)

2. Community Service /Work Experience (30 hrs)

3. Transition Plan

Can be achieved via:1. Portfolio

2. B/AA course

3. Ministry-authorized course

4. Self-directed study

5. Combination

New Standards in effect - September /07 Current Grade 12s – Standing Granted or a Percentage for

their portfolio Draft Program Guide – for review in April 2007 TRAX Passport – same criteria will apply to Grades 10 – 12 in

September 2007

New Standards in effect - September /07 Current Grade 12s – Standing Granted or a Percentage for

their portfolio Draft Program Guide – for review in April 2007 TRAX Passport – same criteria will apply to Grades 10 – 12 in

September 2007

The Ministry sets standards.

Districts help students meet those standards.

Graduation Portfolio – New Standards

Current Challenges

School Fees

Social Justice

School Planning Councils

Capital

School Fees

Social Justice

School Planning Councils

Capital

Review of the Accountability Framework

A review of the Accountability Framework was initiated in August 2006 Recommendations cited in the BC Progress Board Report Input received from partner groups including superintendents and senior

district staff, trustees, principals and vice principals, parents, Aboriginal educators and teachers

Transitions to the New Model Strengthening and deepening the work Smaller number of District Reviews this year, largely based on the current

model but piloting elements of the new model 1 review using the new model All districts will receive feedback on their 2006/07 Accountability Contracts Upcoming inservice sessions to outline changes, revisions and expectations

A review of the Accountability Framework was initiated in August 2006 Recommendations cited in the BC Progress Board Report Input received from partner groups including superintendents and senior

district staff, trustees, principals and vice principals, parents, Aboriginal educators and teachers

Transitions to the New Model Strengthening and deepening the work Smaller number of District Reviews this year, largely based on the current

model but piloting elements of the new model 1 review using the new model All districts will receive feedback on their 2006/07 Accountability Contracts Upcoming inservice sessions to outline changes, revisions and expectations

Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements

Relationships

Collaboration

Culture

Language

Success

Relationships

Collaboration

Culture

Language

Success

BC has over a million functionally illiterate adults.

The Challenge - Literacy

The Challenge - Literacy

ReadNow BCAnnounced at the Premier’s Summit on Literacy and Learning on January 26.

StrongStart Early Learning Centres17 pilotsContracts with Boards

Community LiteracySuccess of LiteracyNowFocus on ReadingLiteracy Summit

LibrariesEvery Child A CardOne CardAccess to Public Libraries OnlineVirtual Reference – Ask Away

ReadNow BCAnnounced at the Premier’s Summit on Literacy and Learning on January 26.

StrongStart Early Learning Centres17 pilotsContracts with Boards

Community LiteracySuccess of LiteracyNowFocus on ReadingLiteracy Summit

LibrariesEvery Child A CardOne CardAccess to Public Libraries OnlineVirtual Reference – Ask Away

The Challenge – Healthy Schools

Healthy Schools

No Junk Food

Action Schools

Physical Fitness

Tobacco Free

Guidelines

The Challenge – Healthy Schools

Virtual School

Courses

Tutoring

Career & academic counselling

Hybrid classroom

Courses

Tutoring

Career & academic counselling

Hybrid classroom

Commitments

Rural Network

Key Concepts

Professional Learning Tools

Rural Network

Key Concepts

Professional Learning Tools

Other Challenges

Safe Schools Substance Abuse

Trades Training Shortage of Skilled Labour Dual Credit Apprenticeship Programs

New Requirements for FSA

Did you know that? One third of the principals in the province did not open the

individual student FSA reports Parents have expressed concern that they do not receive these

reports

New procedures for reporting data to parents… Letter from the Deputy Minister to superintendents and

principals outlining expectations Templates of letters to be sent to parents Adjusted timelines

Did you know that? One third of the principals in the province did not open the

individual student FSA reports Parents have expressed concern that they do not receive these

reports

New procedures for reporting data to parents… Letter from the Deputy Minister to superintendents and

principals outlining expectations Templates of letters to be sent to parents Adjusted timelines

The Leadership Challenge

35 of 60 Superintendents have been in their current positions for less than 18 months.

Entire district staff teams in some districts are new to their positions.

Over 1000 principals and vice principals will retire in the next 5 years (Last year, Surrey alone had more than 100 new school administrators!)

35 of 60 Superintendents have been in their current positions for less than 18 months.

Entire district staff teams in some districts are new to their positions.

Over 1000 principals and vice principals will retire in the next 5 years (Last year, Surrey alone had more than 100 new school administrators!)

BCELC Programming

Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) A partnership with UVic. A graduate certificate laddering into the Masters Program. 120 subsidized seats over three years.

Leadership Seminar Series 121 new appointed principals enrolled. Nominal cost to districts for 12 days of seminar over 2 years. Excellent reviews – A second 120 begin this fall.

Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) A partnership with UVic. A graduate certificate laddering into the Masters Program. 120 subsidized seats over three years.

Leadership Seminar Series 121 new appointed principals enrolled. Nominal cost to districts for 12 days of seminar over 2 years. Excellent reviews – A second 120 begin this fall.

BCELC – Leadership Futures

A Certificate of Suitability Based on Principal developed Standards of Practice.

Sustainability Support and Resources from School Boards for

programming.

Questions and Information Contacts

Cathy Elliott, CEO (cathy.elliott@bcelc.ca) Rick Davis, President (rick.davis@gov.bc.ca) Website - http://www.bcelc.ca/

A Certificate of Suitability Based on Principal developed Standards of Practice.

Sustainability Support and Resources from School Boards for

programming.

Questions and Information Contacts

Cathy Elliott, CEO (cathy.elliott@bcelc.ca) Rick Davis, President (rick.davis@gov.bc.ca) Website - http://www.bcelc.ca/

QuestionsQuestions