Welwood issues AISI challenge

Handbook supports Public Involvement in Public Schools

See 13 entries for Premier's Award

Please distribute to trustees, superintendent and the secretary-treasurer. For more information contact
at 1.780.451.7122

Thirteen school boards in running for Premier’s Award for School Board Innovation and Excellence
The 13 projects in the running for the 2008 Premier’s Award are summarized and posted on the ASBA website. The award, to be presented November 18 at the ASBA’s FGM, is the association's way of profiling the unique role school boards play in launching initiatives to improve student learning.

President Heather Welwood calls for rethink of AISI as program enters 9th year
“I believe we are here to be thought provoking so today I am going to ask you to consider the following question:  Has AISI run out of gas?” is how Heather Welwood opened her remarks to a October 20 colloquium looking at future directions for the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement. Welwood told the participants, who included stakeholder and jurisdiction representatives and researchers, “I believe we can, and must, do better with AISI.” Her three proposals to “breathe new life into this precious initiative,”: school boards must take more risks with their AISI programs; school boards should focus their programs on those areas where they are struggling to improve; and, the knowledge gained through successful AISI projects must be shared among school jurisdictions. See the ASBA website for Welwood’s remarks.

Welcome two new staff to the legal department
We extend a warm welcome to senior legal secretaries Melanie McNaughton and Val Dale who have joined the ASBA. They replace Gloria Schaaf, who retired in October, and Jennifer Elsinga who moved on to a new position.

• Help your community understand your budget
• Media relations: Why “no comment" is not an option
• Bullying in the workplace
• Bullying Awareness Week
  

Communications Now is a monthly package of communications tips distributed to jurisdiction offices as a service to school boards.

Materials to support ASBA’s Public Involvement in Public Schools project
See the ASBA website for resources for school boards participating in the association’s Public Involvement in Public Schools project. Aimed at engaging more Albertans – especially non-parents – in public education, this project will culminate in a summit in Edmonton March 13 and 14, 2009.
Postings include:
President Welwood’s invitation to school boards
Summit handbook: Guide for school boards

Note: Many of the sessions at the upcoming general meeting focus on tools and strategies school boards can use to engage their local communities. 

Online registration for Fall General Meeting closes November 7
After November 7 registration will be available only onsite and will cost an additional $50.

Education in the news
See the ASBA website for media stories about education.  In this week's headlines:
No buckles on bus
Red Deer Catholic welcomes Hekla District
Edmonton Public wants better results on PATs
High time gov't wakes up over sour oil wells
Health region sets dates for cancer vaccine clinics