Bill 18, The Education Act, is a far-reaching piece of legislation that will directly affect our future. Have you read it or read about it? If not, I encourage you to do so. It is easily accessed online at www.education.alberta.ca/educationact.
Rooted in widespread consultation over the last few years (eg. the Student Speak Out, Inspiring Education dialogue, Setting the Direction for Special Education initiatives), the Act is intended to support the “transformation” of our education system in Alberta. The world has changed greatly since 1988 when the last School Act was passed. Our society is more diverse, and the pace of change continues to accelerate. How can “we” respond effectively to ensure excellent education for each and every child?
The Act suggests the following things, among others, will make a difference…
- Giving more flexibility and autonomy to School Boards with increased expectations for community engagement and collaboration with partners.
- Detailing Student and Parent responsibilities for educational success
- Increasing the compulsory age of attendance from 16 to 17
- Extending support for students to complete high school until they are 21 (from 19)
- Creating safe, caring and respectful schools (which mirrors Edmonton Public’s own belief and policy) along with enabling Boards to take action on negative student behavior (such as bullying) that happens both inside and outside the school.
Want to know more? I hope so!
See what Trustee Michael Janz and I are thinking about Bill 18 — our likes! and our questions? We prepared this document in advance of a meeting we hosted on September 14 at Harry Ainlay high school. We hope you will take the time to browse through the September 14 Summary. There is good food for thought here!
As well you may wish to review a Summary of the January 17, 2011 Community Meeting at which attendees looked at the draft framework in advance of the Education Act being tabled. See what questions and comments people had at that time. How does the actual Act address those questions?
Browse the Resources and Links page (Edmonton Public Schools comments to date, ASBA, PSBAA, The Minister’s statement to the Legislature about the Act, Alberta Education backgrounder pieces and questions on the Act….)
Want to contribute your views to our MLAs so they can pass the very best legislation possible? I hope so!
The Bill has passed First Reading in the Spring and was introduced for its Second Reading. Amendments are still possible at this stage and as the Bill comes back to the Assembly for Third Reading.
It is unknown at this time whether or not Bill 18 will come back to the Assembly during this particular legislative session (i.e. in the fall or next spring). I believe, however, the Education Act is worthy of our attention NOW so that when it does arrive in the Legislature, we as citizens will be ready to follow the debate and keep in touch with our MLAs as needed. The bottom line question is: Will the Act provide a strong legislative platform that will allow boards to better serve their students and respond to the specific and unique educational needs of their communities? Let your MLAs know your kudos and your concerns.
In southwest Edmonton, you are either represented by The Honourable Dave Hancock or Mr. Fred Horne. You can send them your views directly. A cc (copy) to me would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your interest in public education!
