The Ministry of Education is asking educators, students, parents, community members, employers and trustees to participate in a dialogue on graduation requirements.
They are tackling this important issue in order to better meet the needs of all learners. Graduation requirements have changed a number of times over the past 12 years but it is a significantly different process this time around.
Instead of the Ministry of Education consulting on a draft plan, they are going out with a set of five questions.
From the responses to those questions they will develop proposed directions for graduation.
There are some assumptions that have been made by the ministry. One, the grad program will stay solid on the basics and development of key competencies.
There will continue to be rigorous provincial-level student assessment, performance standards and reporting. Last, there will be flexibility and choice embedded in the program.
It is important to remember that the grad program, which encompasses grades 10 to 12, is the culmination of all the years a student is in school.
There are many elements that combine to support those final years. It begins with a strong early years program and early intervention, if required. It includes a vision of what the educated citizen looks like.
That descriptor contains attributes, such as being thoughtful, able to think critically, creative, flexible and skilled, able to contribute to society and co-operative and principled – the full description can be found on the school district website (www.sd51.bc.ca)
Currently, curriculum is being closely examined to determine how it can best fit with the BC Education Plan of personalizing learning for students, providing for quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, continued high standards and allowing for learning empowered by technology.
It is expected that curriculum change will be quite significant and will enable learners and teachers to better meet individual needs and interests.
Objectives are also in place to guide the work of the Ministry of Education for Aboriginal students in B.C. Among others, they include, an increased Aboriginal voice within the education system and knowledge of Aboriginal language, culture and history for all students.
It is all of these elements and more that will contribute to the success of all learners. Please consider joining us tonight (Sept. 26) at 7 p.m. at Perley Elementary School for a facilitated conversation on what the future graduation requirements will look like.
There will be a set of five key questions posed and they too can be found on the school district website. The feedback solicited will be collected to form part of a regional report.
The province has been divided into six regions, with an assigned educational leader to organize multiple consultation sessions in each region in September and October.
Over a dozen partner groups have been invited to provincial planning meetings in August and November to further inform directions. It is expected that proposed directions for graduation will be back out for feedback in December.
If you are unable to participate in this meeting in person, feedback can be provided electronically by answering the questions online.
Visit the school district website www.sd51.bc.ca to find the link that will direct you to the questions.
– Teresa Rezansoff is chair for SD51’s board of education