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.