BC's Education Plan

The BC Minsitry of Education has recently released its plan on how it believes education needs to change to keep up with the changing world.

"BC's Education Plan is based on a simple principle: every learner will realize their full potential and contribute to the well-being of our province." (BC's Education Plan website)

This plan to move the education system from good to great has five key elements (items below are linked to ministry website):

1. Peronsalized Learning for every student
2. Quality teaching and Learning
3. Flexibility and choice
4. High standards
5. Learning empowered by technology

 

 

It acknowledges that BC currently has a strong education system and that there are great things that are being done in classrooms.   This plan is designed to build on our currenty strengths in order to prepare students for the changing world.

 

There may be a mixed response to some of the ideas presented in the BC Education Plan Video, and there may be many more questions that arise about "how" some of these concepts will take shape, but regardless of how you feel, the ideas will surely promote some interesting conversations.  The video is three minutes in length, and it worth finding the time to watch.

 

 

The Ministry of Education is seeking our thoughts and feedback and they are encouraging all stakeholder groups to join the conversation on the future of education in BC.  They have created a series of questions that are posted online and anyone can respond with their comments to share ideas and solutions. 

1. What new competencies will students need to prepare them for graduation and the future?
2. What type of information do parents need on their child's learning?
3. What do you think is important for our education system in the fuiture?

To join in these conversations, go to http://engage.bcedplan.ca/ to comment and share your thoughts.

 

Additional Resources:

BC Ministry of Education: Personalized Learning in BC - Interactive Discussion Guide

BC Ministry of Education: Personalized Learning in BC - Parents' Guide

Looking for a job? Consider a trade program.

On October 20, 2011, Global TV News did a feature report on "Generation How" on their 6pm news about Apprenticeship Programs and how students are graduating from college programs and walking directly into jobs.  Global announced that a recent labour report predicts that within the next decade, 1,000,000 jobs will become available in BC, and the largest portion, 42% of these jobs, will require a college or trade certificate.  I found this to be a shocking stat, and it has inspired me to share this article.  (sorry about the 30 second advertising clip at the start of the article - I can't get rid of it.)

If you would like to find out more information about post-secondary career programs, please see your Counsellor or our Career Information Advisory (Ms. M. Mayer) for more information, or view the post-secondary institutions website.

How Education is Changing

Research shows that the landscape of education has changed more dramatically in the past 10 years than in the past century.  Today's students learn in different ways than students of past generations.  I believe this is one of the greatest challenges facing education, as we can no longer teach our students the same way that we were taught in school.  Education has changed! Teachers are no longer the expert in the classroom responsible for transmitting their subject knowledge to their students.  With the influence of technology, students have access to endless amounts of information.  The role of the teacher is being redefined to that of a mentor and facilitator of student learning.  Effective teachers are finding new ways to connect with students and personalize learning experiences.  The Richmond School District motto, "Our Focus is on the Learner",  is more true in present day than ever; we need to focus our teaching on guiding students to take ownership of their own learning, to be self-reflective, analytical learners who can find, filter and synthesize information in meaningful ways.   

This video, created in 2008, provides some 'food for thought' on the influence of technology.  Although the stats are probably even more overwhelming today (2011), I think this video does a good job of highlighting changes over time.