Events
2010 Spring Meeting Summary
The Association’s 2010 spring meeting took place at the Matrix Hotel, Edmonton on May 7. Representatives from 12 charter schools as well as Alberta Education were in attendance. Committee reports on Special Education, ESL, the Principals’ Group, the Board Chairs’ Committee, the Education Advisory Committee and Alberta Education were given. As well excellent presentations were made by Dr. Mark Swanson, chair of the Association of Alberta Deans of Education and TJ Skalski and Bevan Janzen from Mother Earth’s Children’s Charter School. Dr. Swanson’s presentation focused upon the 8 teacher preparation programs which exist in the province as well as the part the Association of Alberta Deans of Education plays within the educational community. Ms. Skalski’s and Mr. Janzen’s presentation provided delegates with a fuller understanding of the uniqueness of Mother Earth’s charter and the interesting approaches being taken to provide for the children’s learning needs. During the various committee reports discussion centered on two recurring themes – financial matters and the Association’s growing concerns with delays in introducing the New Education Act. Alberta Education representatives were helpful in explaining the situation but nevertheless the Association’s administration will send a letter to the Minister outlining these concerns. At adjournment delegates were reminded of several topics which will be on the October 22, 2010 AGM agenda – Bylaw amendments/approval, “Images of Research, Innovation and Partnerships” and implications to closer possible connections with the ASBA and the ATA.
Events
“Innovation in Action” - Canada West report released
At TAAPCS’ January 2010 meeting, delegates received Shawna Ritchie’s review of a research report she authored for the Canada West Foundation on the topic of Charter schools in Alberta. Entitled “Innovation in Action: An Examination of Charter Schools in Alberta”, the report, which was done independent of requests from any of Alberta’s educational institutions or organizations, examines a variety of topics which include: a history of charter schools in Alberta, the situation which exists today, challenges and opportunities, questions raised about charter schools, and conclusions reached from this study. Of particular note are the conclusions which include comments such as “Charter schools were introduced in Alberta in order to provide choice and innovation in public education provision. This goal has been accomplished”. However, the report also says that “They have not been as innovative, or as influential, as possible. Nor will charter schools reach their full potential if the constraints in which they operate are not reassessed”. The report goes on to list the conditions which limit the schools. “Charter schools will only be able to achieve their full potential if their role in education is clarified and the remaining impediments to their operation are lifted. This means changing legislation in two important ways: 1) giving charter schools permanent status: and 2) clarifying charter schools’ position in the education system”. Ritchie goes on to note that facilities and funding are issues, as is managing growth, continuing to hold schools to a high level of accountability, and altering “their relationship with other school authorities”. On this latter topic, the report indicates that “For charter schools to succeed, increased opportunities and incentives for collaboration, sharing and professional development between charter school educators and the rest of the education system need to be established”. The report concludes with“Without changes to legislation and increased communication in the education community, asking charter schools to accomplish their full potential is the equivalent of clipping a bird’s wings and then asking it to fly”. A full copy of “Innovation in Action: An Examination of Charter Schools in Alberta“ is available at:
http://www.cwf.ca/V2/cnt/publication_201001190753.php
Events
Requests from the Minister of Education
At their Annual General Meeting on October 22, 2009, TAAPCS delegates provided direction for the Association’s executive in regard to responding to the Minister’s request for feedback related to the future of Charter Schools in Alberta. Those responses were provided to the Minister and are located on this website under “Information”.
Events
2009 AGM Highlight
A highlight of the 2009 AGM held October 22 was Deputy Minister Keray Henke’s presentation to the delegates. Among the topics addressed were budget reductions, the “inspiring education” initiative, and the concept of change for charter schools.
Mr. Henke spoke candidly about the the impact this year’s budget will have on schools. He noted that since 77% of Alberta Education’s budget flows through directly to schools there is not much money to be “found” in the ministry’s centralized budget so there is no question that reductions will have an impact upon schools. Related somewhat to budget, Mr. Henke voiced his personal support for charter schools but he indicated a need for TAAPCS to assist him and the Minister in addressing some of the concerns which come from certain sectors of society. He cited for instance the belief of some individuals who feel charter schools are not fulfilling their mandate and therefore should be disbanded to allow more money to be available for public school divisions.
The “inspiring education” initiative soon will reach the stage where amendments to the School Act are considered in order to facilitate a new vision for education in Alberta. TAAPCS has been asked to provide its thoughts on amendments. We have also been asked to respond to the Minister’s questions regarding Charter Schools and possible conceptual changes. Mr. Henke indicated that charter schools have had a positive influence on Alberta’s education system as is evidenced by the number of public school divisions who have emulated our programs. He gently challenged charter schools however to look to the future and to consider what might be done to address changing needs and thus continue to be relevant. As an example he asked what we know of the international scene and how, if it was researched, we might apply what we learn to our situation in Alberta. To do so, he indicated a need for a comprehensive and coordinated research strategy which of necessity would more actively involve the universities, colleges and others. Further, seeing research and innovation as part of the culture of our schools he wondered whether it would be possible to have charter schools join with research institutions to conduct more extensive research than is currently possible now.
Mr. Henke noted the role of Alberta Education in the process of supporting charter schools. He asked such questions as “Are there things Alberta Education does which inhibits our creativty?” and “Should Alberta Education approach universities to see what needs to be done to have graduates become more innovative and creative as well as more research oriented?” Further, he acknowledged that the Department needs to take a stronger leadership role. To date they have tried to get parties together but there are questions which remain unanswered: What needs to be researched? Who will do it? How will it be applied to Alberta? How does this research fit the cultural fabrice of Alberta? Again, he reiterated that he wishes to have a diverse group of representatives take responsibility for leading such a research and innovation undertaking.
While no answers could be given to such questions as how costly these changes would be and who would finance them, Mr. Henke’s presentation was clearly appreciated by the delegates and he was warmly thanked.