WATCH: Bill 11 was introduced this morning and the province says it aims to strengthen accountability, efficiency and professional development in schools. Keith Baldrey has the details.
VANCOUVER – An education bill to amend the School Act will impose new Pro-D Day standards for teachers, force school districts to share services and put a stronger focus on accountability for student outcomes.
Bill 11, the Education Statues Amendment Act, was introduced by the B.C. Government on Thursday and will soon go before the legislature.
The proposed amendments will focus on four areas:
- Building a framework for continuing professional development;
- Facilitating delivery of shared services among school districts;
- Improving the accountability framework for student learning; and
- Aligning the provisions on the disclosure of student data with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“British Columbians expect our K-12 system to be run efficiently, that teachers and students have the supports they need, and that everyone is focused on what matters most – student learning,” said Minister of Education, Peter Fassbender, in a statement. “That’s what these amendments are all about.”
The B.C. Government says currently, there are no detailed requirements for certified teachers concerning Pro-D Days. The proposed amendments to the Teachers Act will provide the minister with the authority to establish a more robust framework. “Working with the profession, the goal is to enhance public confidence that certified teachers have access to, and are regularly participating in, high-quality professional development aimed at improving student achievement,” the government said in a statement.
“Most professions – such as lawyers, accountants, or nurses – set detailed standards for ongoing learning. Early childhood educators have clear requirements. It’s time to put teaching on a similar footing,” said Fassbender.
Under the changes, school boards will also have the the authority to share services with each other or enter into alternative service delivery agreements with other boards.
The bill will also introduce changes to the way school districts produce their annual reports and will remove inflexible language and processes.
“British Columbia has one of the best education systems in the world, but we can’t just sit back. We need to pursue new, innovative approaches that promise better results for students,” said Fassbender.
“The research is very clear that one of the most important ways to support students is to focus on quality teaching. That’s why these amendments set a foundation on which the Province will work co-operatively with the teaching profession to build a truly modern framework for professional development.”
BCTF president Jim Iker called Bill 11 a diversion from underfunding, adding there were no consultations and professional development shouldn’t be mandated from the top down.
WATCH: BCTF president Jim Iker addresses changes made today to the education system through Bill 11.
The BC Teachers’ Federation is responding to the announcement on Twitter :
– With files from The Canadian Press
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