The agreement was signed at the site of the future school, which is currently an empty field on 77a Ave. in Langley. This new facility will accommodate up to 510 students from kindergarten to Grade 7. It will utilize B.C. wood as much as possible and adhere to LEED Gold or equivalent environmental standards. Local residents will also benefit from community programs that will be offered at the on-site Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC).
With the project agreement now in place, the Langley board of education will tender for the construction of the school. Construction will begin this summer and the school will open in September 2013.
While this school moves forward, the new $13.3-million Lynn Fripps Elementary is now mid-way through construction and is on budget and on time. The school is scheduled to open this September and will accommodate up to 510 kindergarten-to-Grade 7 students.
In addition, planning for a new middle school in the Yorkson area is underway. That school is expected to be open by September 2014.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The new elementary school for South East Yorkson will provide additional space for students in this growing community and will include a new Neighbourhood Learning Centre to provide services to families."
"As we move ahead with the new elementary school, we have also reached the half-way point for the construction of the new Lynn Fripps Elementary and are moving forward with plans for a new middle school. Together, these projects will provide local students and with modern learning facilities that we can all be proud of."
Mary Polak, MLA Langley -
"As a resident of Willoughby, I look forward to the local programs and services that will be available at these schools. Schools are a key part of our children's lives and these Neighbourhood Learning Centres will be integral to our community as well."
Wendy Johnson, chair, Langley board of education -
"The Langley board of education is very pleased to be able to sign the project agreement to confirm the construction of the new Elementary school for the South East Yorkson neighbourhood. With the opening of Lynn Fripps Elementary this September, followed by the opening of the South East Yorkson school in September 2013 and the new middle school in 2014, we are making important progress in addressing the needs of families in the fast growing Willoughby area."
"We remain committed to working closely with our local and provincial governments to ensure we are proactive in planning for the future in this high growth region."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Lynn Fripps Elementary construction update: http://www.sd35.bc.ca/board/default.aspx
Langley school district: http://www.sd35.bc.ca/pages/default.aspx
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The Ministry of Education engaged the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the University of British Columbia's department of civil engineering to conduct a comprehensive update of how B.C. schools are expected to perform in a major earthquake and to upgrade the technical guidelines for seismic retrofits.
The APEGBC-UBC team has developed:
Based on the latest research and more detailed local geotechnical information, the engineers re-evaluated more than 500 schools previously identified for potential funding under the School Seismic Mitigation Program. The new assessment has identified 152 schools with at least one "high risk" building section that need to be addressed with structural upgrades under the School Seismic Mitigation Program. The cost to address these high-priority schools is estimated at $1.3 billion.
The remaining schools have building sections classified as "low" or "medium" risk, which means seismic safety can be achieved through non-structural mitigation or through a school district's regular capital renewal process. The Ministry of Education is exploring options to provide school districts with additional funding for non-structural safety improvements in the medium- and low-ranked schools starting in 2013-14.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The excellent work by our partners at APEGBC and UBC allows us to better prioritize school upgrades and brings us significantly closer to our goal of keeping all students safe in the event of a major earthquake."
Derek Doyle, APEGBC's chief executive officer -
"B.C. has the benefit of tremendous engineering experience, and this has been an unprecedented collaboration between government, academia and the engineering community."
Andy Mill, chair of the APEGBC Seismic Peer Review Committee -
"This is an extremely comprehensive and ground-breaking structural upgrade program. The standardized, peer-reviewed methodology provides a roadmap for assessing and addressing seismic risk in a prioritized and focused way."
Carlos Ventura, director of UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility -
"Since the onset of the Seismic Mitigation Program in 2005, we have learned more about the nature of earthquakes, how structures behave during these kinds of events, and how to predict their behaviour."
"The extensive seismic testing conducted at UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility and at other research facilities around the world, coupled with information gained from recent earthquakes around the globe, has allowed us to develop a new, more accurate seismic assessment methodology that better identifies which schools are most at risk during an earthquake and how to best retrofit those schools."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Ministry of Education, Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/seismic/
APEGBC's work on the Seismic Mitigation Program:
http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ssup.html
UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility: http://www.civil.ubc.ca/about/facilities/eerf.php
Two backgrounders are available online:
Seismic Mitigation Program: Participants and Roles -
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/backgrounder1_seismic_mitigation_program.pdf
152 high-priority schools -
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/downloads/backgrounder2_152_high_priority_schools.pdf
Media Contacts:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Media line: 250 356-5963
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
Agnieszka Pozniak: 778 885-0533
Janet Sinclair: 604 512-8095
University of British Columbia
UBC Public Affairs
Lorraine Chan: 604 822-2644
The 14 projects are spread throughout 12 B.C. school districts. Schools were selected from most-recent district capital plans and represent top-ranked projects based on an updated assessment of seismic safety risk.
School projects approved for funding:
School districts will work with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the Ministry of Education's Seismic Mitigation Program to confirm scope, schedule and budgets for these projects prior to Ministry of Education approval of individual project agreements.
Since 2005 a technical team led by APEGBC, working with its partners at the University of British Columbia, has continued to refine the risk assessment and mitigation strategies through experience in actual seismic upgrade projects, extensive laboratory testing at UBC's world-class Earthquake Engineering Research Facility and peer review by leading international structural experts. This work resulted in new technical guidelines and assessment methodology that refined the list of high priority schools to be addressed under the School Seismic Mitigation Program.
Capital Plan instructions for new project approvals, expected to follow this month, will direct school districts to review and prioritize requirements for future seismic projects based on the latest assessment results.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"This is the next step in our ongoing and comprehensive program to make B.C. schools safe in the event of a major earthquake. With today's announcement, we now have 167 projects that are completed, in progress or moving through initial planning."
Patti Bacchus, Vancouver board of education chair -
"Moving forward with our seismic program is critical to the safety and security of our students. The Province's approval of funding for seismic upgrades to Grenfell, Kingsford-Smith and Weir will help us make these schools safe as quickly as possible."
"We have an unprecedented level of planning and construction underway in Vancouver as we work in partnership with the Ministry of Education to upgrade our seismically at-risk buildings to ensure safe learning and working environments."
Franci Stratton, North Vancouver board of education chair -
"We are greatly appreciative of the ministry's inclusion of Argyle Secondary in their latest commitment to the Province's School Seismic Mitigation Program. Argyle was built over 50 years ago, at a time when seismic risk was not as well-understood and schools were not built to the safety standards of today."
"We are now in a position to move forward, establish a formal project agreement, and address this high-priority building on behalf of present and future students, staff and families of Argyle Secondary and the North Vancouver community."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Ministry of Education, Seismic Mitigation Program: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/capitalplanning/seismic/
APEGBC's work on the Seismic Mitigation Program:
http://www.apeg.bc.ca/ppractice/ssup.html
UBC's Earthquake Engineering Research Facility: http://www.civil.ubc.ca/about/facilities/eerf.php
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Bill 36, the School Amendment Act 2012, gives students and families increased choice in educational programs by extending the ability to take a mix of online and traditional school courses to students in kindergarten through Grade 9. Currently, only students in grades 10 to 12 have this option.
Other changes to the School Act will eliminate the Standard School Calendar to enable boards of education and education authorities to offer more creative scheduling options that better meet the needs of their students. The Ministry of Education will continue to set a minimum number of instructional hours.
Other revisions to the act will clarify that boards may charge fees relating to the direct costs of providing an international baccalaureate program if they exceed the costs of providing a standard education program. Any such fees are subject to financial hardship provisions. The School Act grants boards of education a limited capacity to charge fees so they may provide programs that reflect the unique needs of their communities.
Under BC's Education Plan, government is committed to building an education system that is more flexible, dynamic and adaptable to better prepare students for a successful future. Personalized learning is an approach to education that puts every student at the centre of their own learning and makes them more accountable for their success.
Bringing more flexibility to the system will help to recognize that each student is unique and our education system can support each student's interests, passions and individual ways of learning.
Quotes:
Education Minister George Abbott -
"Enabling greater flexibility and choice is a key component of BC's Education Plan, and these amendments to the School Act will provide school districts with additional tools to support personalized learning."
Chair of the Surrey board of education Laurae McNally -
"These changes provide greater autonomy, flexibility and recognize school boards as partners in education."
"Every school district has unique needs and challenges, and these amendments mean we'll be able to provide greater flexibility and choice - and that means more options for students."
Learn More:
View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca
Media Contact:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
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Gibsons Elementary school is an aging facility that is in poor condition. The project was originally announced as a renovation and seismic upgrade, but a subsequent feasibility study determined the construction of a new, smaller, more energy-efficient school to be more cost-effective.
The new school will have 14 classrooms providing space for 300 students in grades 1 to 7 and 40 full-day kindergarten students. The school will also host a StrongStart Centre and a Neighbourhood Learning Centre to provide community members with year-round access to additional support services including an early childhood development centre, a health and wellness screening office, a community kitchen, and a multipurpose room.
Work on the school will begin this summer and the project is expected to be complete by September 2014 with students moving in for the beginning of the 2014 school year.
Construction of the school will be adjacent to the existing facility to avoid the need for temporary accommodation and measures will be taken to ensure students and staff are safe during the construction period. Demolition of the old building will be completed at the end of the project, and new playfields will be installed on that part of the site.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"The new Gibsons Elementary school will provide students and staff with a modern and safe learning environment and the new StrongStart Centre and Neighbourhood Learning Centre will become the centre of the community providing important services and programs to families, young learners and seniors."
Silas White, chair, Sunshine Coast board of education -
"We are thrilled with Minister Abbott's project announcement this morning for Gibsons Elementary school."
"This new facility will provide some of our district's youngest minds with a safe and modern area where they can thrive in both an academic and social environment."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The regulations outline clear requirements for school principals to consult teachers, and corresponding duties for teachers to consult and advise principals about the organization of all classes in the school and the placement of students with special needs in those classes.
Previously, consultation was only required in cases where there were more than three students with special needs in a given class and/or when a grades-4-to-12 class exceeded the 30-student limit.
The changes will benefit every student because the dynamics of how classrooms are organized will be part of an ongoing and constructive dialogue between principals and teachers, and these kinds of discussions will happen frequently - instead of only at the beginning or end of the school year as is currently the case.
The $195 million Learning Improvement Fund and corresponding regulation, which came into effect on April 14, supports these consultations on class organization and helps address complex needs in classrooms. The regulation sets out teacher eligibility for additional compensation in instances where class size does exceed 30 students.
Compensation can take the form of additional preparation time, professional development funding, classroom supplies or equipment, additional pay, or some such combination. The regulation also prescribes which classes are not subject to the 30-student limit, such as choir and drama, where larger groups are desirable.
Quotes:
Education Minister George Abbott -
"The changes we're bringing in are already happening in good schools, where there is broad collaboration and consultations between principals and teachers on how to support all students - not just students with a label."
"The requirement to consult and collaborate makes it clear that we are relying on the professionalism and advice of teachers and principals in determining what's best for all students in all classrooms."
Learn More:
View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca
View Bill 22, the Education Improvement Act, at:
www.leg.bc.ca/39th4th/3rd_read/gov22-3.htm
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
BACKGROUNDER
April 23, 2012 Ministry of Education
The 30-student limit on grades-4-to-12 classes may only be exceeded if the principal and superintendent agree, after consulting with the affected teacher and, where advisable, with students and the parent advisory council, that the class is appropriate for student learning.
Superintendents are also required to make reasonable efforts to reach agreement with local teacher union presidents. Principals and superintendents may also consult with school and district parent advisory councils.
The Learning Improvement Fund regulation requires boards of education to use the funds in accordance with the approved spending plans, and boards must not reduce the expenditures they would have made to address classroom needs if they had not received the additional funding.
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
As part of BC's Education Plan, the Ministry of Education has established the BC Rural Education Partner's Council (REPC), to create an overarching provincial rural education strategy.
Education Minister George Abbott addressed the REPC at its first meeting, held today, where he stressed the need to enhance the success of rural students.
Education in rural and remote areas is complicated by multiple factors:
A number of education partner groups have been invited to participate in the task force including the BC School Trustees Association, BC School Superintendents Association, BC Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, BC Teachers' Federation, First Nations Education Steering Committee, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, BC Rural & Small Schools Teachers' Association, Association of BC Deans of Education, BC Association of School Business Officials, BC Student Voice, BC Chamber of Commerce, CUPE BC and the Ministry of Education.
The council will be hosted by the BC School Trustees Association and funded through a grant of $25,000 from the ministry. The council will meet two or three times a year and report to the Ministry of Education with recommendations on improving rural education.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"BC's Education Plan is our blueprint for change, and through this new task force we can help to address the needs of rural communities."
"The goal is to begin a dialogue with all rural partners about policies and strategies to impact and strengthen rural student success."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
To learn more about education in B.C. visit: www.gov.bc.ca/bced
To read about BC's Education Plan and get involved in the conversation, visit: www.bcedplan.ca
Contact:
Ministry of Education
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-5963 (Media Line)
Much of the school was destroyed in a devastating fire last September as it neared completion of a full renovation and expansion. A new design will replace the burned section and includes a new 14-classroom academic wing, a neighbourhood learning centre and 397-seat theatre. The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and Town of Oliver will provide $2.3 million toward construction of the theatre, which will be maintained and operated through a joint-use agreement. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be complete by the fall of 2013.
The original $31 million project was a combination of renovations and replacement of approximately half the school. Before the fire, approximately $25 million of this funding had been invested.
The fire destroyed approximately 60 per cent of the original school, including the library, computer room, administration area, classrooms, a renovated neighbourhood learning centre wing and the historic Frank Venables Auditorium.
A newly constructed building, which survived the fire, includes a science lab, kitchen, shops, art room, two gymnasiums and multi-purpose space. This building was not structurally damaged, but did require some remediation and extensive cleanup following the fire.
Ministry staff were on the scene shortly after the fire, and Abbott visited the school in October. Since the fire, most students and school administration have been housed in 16 on-site portable classrooms.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"I visited Southern Okanagan Secondary school shortly after the fire and saw firsthand how students, staff and families were greatly impacted by the loss of their school. I also saw how the community came together following this tragic event to ensure the school continued to thrive and provide students with the education they deserved."
"I am pleased to announce this new funding to ensure construction of the new school will be completed. I know that the school district and Ministry staff are working hard to complete construction as quickly as possible.
"When complete, this brand-new high school will provide a vibrant educational and community facility that everyone can be proud of."
Marieze Tarr, chair, board of education of School District No. 53 (Okanagan Similkameen) -
"The School District 53 board of education is very grateful that we can now put this very difficult period behind us and move forward with the completion of our new Southern Okanagan Secondary school facility. We would like to thank the ministry for their continued support."
John Slater, MLA, Boundary-Similkameen -
"Oliver was devastated last year by the fire, and in the meantime, I know it hasn't been easy for the students, teachers and staff. This funding will get them back in proper classrooms as soon as possible."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
A $200,000 literacy initiative and research partnership with Vancouver Island University and 11 public schools in the province will look at early literacy skills in some rural and remote communities with significant Aboriginal student populations, and identify the supports and interventions needed so they can achieve better outcomes.
The new partnership reflects B.C.'s Education Plan, which recognizes the value of literacy and early intervention, the importance of supporting struggling readers, and how vital it is to work with Aboriginal communities and school districts to focus on the needs of Aboriginal students.
A U.S. study of 4,000 students found that those who do not read proficiently by the third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers.
Under the new partnership, school teams will include literacy experts and student teachers who will work directly with educators and students. Kindergarten to Grade 7 students will be the primary focus with the goal of finding ways to develop literacy practices and strategies that are culturally relevant and family-centred. Bringing student teachers into these schools will also have a positive impact on rural and remote teacher recruitment, which can be challenging for rural and remote B.C. communities.
The goal of this collaborative initiative is to positively impact literacy levels among young learners and thereby increase academic achievement.
This project builds on the work of 52 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements that have been signed throughout the province, signifying a commitment of education partners to work together to improve the success and outcomes of Aboriginal students while creating a better understanding amongst students and staff of Aboriginal peoples in B.C.
It also builds on funding announced recently by Minister of Education George Abbott. School districts are being provided with $10.7 million in one-time funding to support elements of the education plan in the classroom. The money is ear-marked to support struggling readers in the province.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"We know that reading is a skill that needs to be taught at an early age and early intervention needs to happen quickly if students begin to struggle. The research tells us that once students fall behind, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to catch up."
One of the goals of this research project will be to help us all understand the barriers that remote, rural and Aboriginal communities face in learning reading as a skill - so we can find ways to break down those barriers and improve student outcomes."
National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Chancellor, Vancouver Island University -
"Education is the key to unlocking the true potential of First Nations, strengthening our communities and all of Canada. As the youngest and fastest-growing segment of the population, First Nations have a great deal to offer. By investing in fair and equitable First Nation education, all Canadians yield benefits. Together we can make steps in closing the education and achievement gap between First Nations and other Canadians - a step that would add $400 billion to the Canadian economy by 2026."
Learn More:
B.C.'s Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/agreements/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
BACKGROUNDER
April 19, 2012 Ministry of Education
Facts about investments in literacy
The school districts and independent band schools included in this project are:
SD #85 (North Island) -
SD# 68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith) -
SD #82 (Coast Mountain) -
SD #92 (Nisga'a) -
SD # 91 (Nechako Lakes) -
SD #70 (Alberni) -
Since September 2001, the Province has invested almost $1.4 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives for British Columbia. Funding for literacy in B.C. has included:
2011 Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) results showed that of those tested, about 28 per cent of Aboriginal Grade 4 students did not yet meet the standard reading level - and 23 per cent did not yet meet the standard writing level. These results reinforce the need for education partners in B.C. to continue to look for ways to improve literacy outcomes for Aboriginal students, so they too can reach their full potential.
More than $22 million is being invested in a range of early childhood development (ECD) programs and initiatives this year, including $7.4 million for Aboriginal ECD initiatives.
The Province has invested $28 million toward the early childhood development initiative Success By 6. Approximately $1 million is dedicated toward the implementation of an Aboriginal strategy, which has supported more than 86 Aboriginal ECD projects throughout B.C.
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Abbott met with school district officials late yesterday afternoon to sign official project agreements for both schools. (Photo: http://flic.kr/p/bzqtys )
A new elementary school will be constructed on the site of the former St. Mary's Hospital on Royal Avenue in New Westminster. The site was purchased with provincial funds in 2010 for $8.5 million. This new school project has a construction budget of $13.5 million.
The school will provide five kindergarten classes and 18 elementary classes for 100 full-day kindergarten students and 450 students in grades 1 to 5. Construction of the school is scheduled to begin this fall, and it is expected to open in early 2014.
The new West Side Middle school will be constructed at the current site of John Robson Elementary school on Eighth Street in New Westminster. The project has a construction budget of $17.6 million. The new school will provide 20 classrooms for 500 students in grades 6 to 8.
By providing additional learning space for Grade 8 students, the new school will also ease enrolment pressure at New Westminster Secondary. Construction of the new middle school will begin in the fall/winter of 2013-14 and it is expected to open in fall 2015.
Both schools will include Neighbourhood Learning Centres to provide additional services to support children, families and area residents throughout the year. These services will include early childhood development, child-care and family counselling programs, as well as English Language Learning, health services and cross-generational drop-in programs.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education:
"These two new schools will provide a modern learning environment for New Westminster's growing student community and will include Neighbourhood Learning Centres to provide a broad range of services to local families."
James Janzen, chair, New Westminster board of education:
"Children and parents in New Westminster will welcome the addition of these educational facilities which will help us meet the needs of young learners while providing significant benefits to others in the community as well."
"We're delighted that the B.C. government is providing the funding needed to build these two new schools in our area."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
"I have full confidence in the qualifications of Dr. Jago. He is the right person for the job.
"Unfortunately, while they initially asked for a mediator to be appointed, the BCTF now seems intent on side-lining the mediation process by asking the Labour Relations Board to have Dr. Jago's appointment rescinded.
"I haven't seen the BCTF's application to the LRB - but I am sure the board will deal with it in due course as it is now a matter before the LRB."
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Joining them were parents, teachers, school district administrators, MLAs Stephanie Cadieux and Dave Hayer, as well as Education Minister George Abbott. Abbott toured the new classrooms before taking time to read a favourite story to some of the school's kindergarten students.
Two of the classrooms will add 40 new full-day kindergarten spaces, increasing the school's capacity to 80 full-day kindergarten students. The other classrooms will provide additional spaces for elementary students.
The classroom addition at Chimney Hill is part of government's $144.5-million commitment to provide classrooms for early learners throughout B.C. now that full-day kindergarten is available for every eligible five-year-old in the province.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"Full-day kindergarten leads to improved literacy and numeracy and ensures a smoother transition to the primary grades for our youngest students."
"These new classrooms at Chimney Hill will provide an excellent environment to support full-day kindergarten in this growing community."
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA, Surrey-Panorama -
"It's wonderful to see these classrooms now completed in this vibrant area of Surrey. Chimney Hill is fortunate to have great teachers, support staff and committed parents."
"It also has some pretty amazing young students who are achieving early learning success in both kindergarten and elementary school."
Laurae McNally, chair, Surrey Board of Education -
"Surrey is a great city to raise a family and the Surrey school district is a wonderful place to receive an education; that's why enrolment growth continues in schools like Chimney Hill."
"I thank the Minister of Education for the financial support to build these much needed classrooms and I thank the students, staff and parents for their patience while waiting for the additional space, and enduring the construction site at their school over the last year."
Quick Facts:
About BC's Education Plan:
Introduced last fall, BC's Education Plan is a blueprint to transform education so every student can excel and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan has five key elements: personalized learning for every student; quality teaching and learning; more flexibility and choice; high standards; and learning empowered by technology. It focuses on maintaining basic core skills for students while developing key competencies such as critical thinking, insight and teamwork.
Under BC's Education Plan, government is committed to building an education system that is more flexible, dynamic and adaptable and better prepares students for a successful future, while still remaining focused on the importance of strong foundational skills.
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The project will run for three years in three school districts to be selected by the University of British Columbia (UBC) faculty of education. Experienced teachers will be paired with teachers new to the profession to offer training and support.
New teachers face a wide array of challenges: learning new curricula, managing student discipline, integrating students with special needs, individualizing student programs, co-ordinating extracurricular activities and connecting with parents, among other duties. Many of these duties are demanding for the most experienced professionals, so mentorship for new teachers is essential if they are to reach their full potential.
UBC, the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), the British Columbia School Superintendents Association, Ministry of Education and various school districts will partner in this project, with the ultimate goal of creating a provincewide mentorship program. Participating mentors will receive extensive training and support in mentoring protocols and skills from both UBC and the BCTF.
BC's Education Plan recognizes that we need to build on the many strengths of our existing education system while modernizing education so it can adapt and respond to students' needs. It also recognizes that teachers are fundamental to student success.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"Mentoring is already taking place in many of our schools and this pilot program will help identify best practices and apply them throughout the province.
"This program will help new teachers gain the confidence they need to use a wide range of instructional strategies and activities to meet the complex needs of their students."
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The increase in LIF funding is due to provincewide operational savings of $37 million resulting from last month's three-day teachers' strike. All of the strike savings will remain with school districts with $30 million being applied to LIF, and the remaining $7 million to be used by school boards for educational priorities in their respective districts.
The first $60 million in LIF funding will be allocated this fall to school districts to be used for classrooms with the highest need. Another $60 million was allocated in 2013-14, and $75 million in 2014-15 and each year thereafter as part of Budget 2012.
As announced last week by Abbott at Student Voice, a meeting of leadership students from throughout the province, B.C school districts are also being provided with $10.7 million in one-time funding to support elements of BC's Education Plan in the classroom. This money is ear-marked to support struggling readers in the K-12 grades.
Quotes:
George Abbott, Minister of Education -
"Investing $30 million in savings from the strike into the Learning Improvement Fund will provide school districts with additional resources to support students and to help teachers address the needs of their students."
"I hope that the parties will work with Dr. Charles Jago to move forward through the mediation process and reach a negotiated agreement so that we can continue to improve our education system and provide students with the best education possible."
Quick Facts:
School districts will be able to use LIF funds to:
- Hire additional teachers and special education assistants.
- Provide additional teaching time.
- Support professional development and training to help teachers meet complex needs in their classrooms.
About BC's Education Plan:
Introduced last fall, BC's Education Plan is a blueprint to transform education so every student can excel and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan has five key elements: personalized learning for every student; quality teaching and learning; more flexibility and choice; high standards; and learning empowered by technology. It focuses on maintaining basic core skills for students while developing key competencies such as critical thinking, insight and teamwork.
Under BC's Education Plan, government is committed to building an education system that is more flexible, dynamic and adaptable and better prepares students for a successful future, while still remaining focused on the importance of strong foundational skills.
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The funding is ear-marked to support struggling readers in the K-12 grades.
The EdChat program, also launched today, offers an informal way for small groups of students to gather in person or online, discuss BC's Education Plan and share their vision for the future of education. Participants work within the five themes of the plan: personalized learning for every student, quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, high standards and learning empowered by technology. After each EdChat session students can submit their ideas directly to the ministry for review and consideration.
Abbott launched BC's Education Plan and its supporting website on Oct. 28, 2011 at the fall meeting of BC Student Voice. In the five months since the public engagement site went live, there have been more than 30,000 visits with approximately 1,200 people joining the online conversation about education and contributing close to 4,000 comments.
Quotes:
Education Minister George Abbott -
"The BC Education Plan has been a tremendous success and thousands of British Columbians are using this opportunity to make their voices heard and engage in a provincewide discussion about how we can improve our education system."
"I'm pleased to announce $10.7 million in new funding to support the plan by helping school districts to enhance foundation skills and support struggling readers. Foundation skills such as reading are incredibly important and this investment will help ensure that students receive the support they need to be successful."
"Students have the greatest stake in our education system and we want to hear from them about what we are doing well, what we can improve and what they would like to see done differently. By participating in EdChats or joining the discussion online, students have a chance to be actively involved in the decisions that affect their future."
Quick Facts:
BC Student Voice (BCSV) is a group of student leaders working in co-operation with educators who meet regularly to review provincial directions, gather support for regional initiatives and facilitate development of school and district student voices. Their mission is to empower students to address their needs, interests and concerns by strengthening, at all levels, the links among students and their partners in education.
Learn More:
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963