BCRTA’s Excellence in Public Education committee would like members to be aware of a number of initiatives currently in motion.
B.C. Education Budget
One thing the Excellence in Public Education Committee wants to work toward this year is the preparation of a submission to the Standing Committee on Finance’s annual Budget Consultation in order to promote adequate and appropriately placed funding for B.C.’s public schools. We are hoping that BCRTA members across the province will let us know what your top three priorities are for education funding. Feel free to forward your thoughts to Steve Bailey at sdbailey504@gmail.com. We may have a reminder – or a small survey – in “Connections” in the future as a reminder to contribute to this effort. The submission will be made by the Budget Committee’s May deadline.
The Golden Star Award
Please ‘spread the word’ to classroom teachers in your area that on-going intergenerational projects that bring students together with senior in the community are eligible to apply for a GOLDEN STAR and / or GOLDEN STAR LEGION Award. Information is on the Golden Star link on the BCRTA website. Information has been forwarded to each BCTF local in the province, so we’re hoping for a number of good applications this year. See the article on page 42 of the Fall issue of PostScript.
B.C. Heritage Fairs
B.C. Heritage Fairs local organizers are looking for volunteers in many areas of the province. The Excellence in Public Education Committee has established a supportive relationship with B.C. Heritage Fairs. Your talents as a mentor or judge for Heritage Fair entries on a wide variety of topics would be much appreciated. Check out the Heritage Fairs website at bcheritagefairsalumni.wordpress.com. See the article “Intergenerational Celebration: B.C.’s Heritage Fairs” on page 11 of the Fall PostScript.
Current “Excellence” Issues
The Committee regularly discusses arising issues that are relevant to the BCRTA promoting ‘best practice’ in our schools. At its last meeting, we affirmed the BCRTAS’s position opposing provincial FSA assessments, continued our discussion of standards for the teaching of language and culture in an increasingly diverse language and cultural setting in our schools, and the role of school trustees as advocates for public education – a controversial issue at the moment.
Also, we continue to promote our “Telling Our Stories” initiative. Consider putting pen to paper and tell us about your personal or professional ‘best practice’. If you haven’t seen it, have a look at Noel Bentley’s presentation at the BCRTA Annual Meeting in October. The presentation can be found on the BCRTA website.
