ASBA supports parent involvement in education through advisory councils
Release date: September 16, 1999
While the Alberta School Boards Association supports whole-heartedly parents' role as advisors to schools and school boards, ASBA President Lois Byers raised cautions about some recommendations in the government's report on the School Councils Review, released September 16. The report was prepared by an MLA committee of Rob Renner (Medicine Hat), Karen Kryczka (Calgary West) and Denis Ducharme (Bonnyville-Cold Lake) after consulting with school councils, school boards, principals, education stakeholders and the general public.
"This report echoes the province's school boards'commitment to making sure parents have avenues for meaningful involvement in Alberta's education system," said ASBA President Lois Byers. "We acknowledge our responsibility to create an environment where school councils can work most effectively. An upcoming professional development session at our fall meeting on how to implement a Council of School Councils speaks to the fact we are on the same page as this report."
Byers expressed caution about the report's very prescriptive recommendations and asked whether the recommendations were supported by research.
"I think the most effective public involvement models are created when you let the local community build what works for them -- this document sets out a lot of 'shalls' and 'wills'," said Byers. "The plan to remove the principal's and teachers' right to vote at council meetings contradicts the research I have been reviewing. Research by the National School Boards Association indicates we get school improvement when parents and educators work together on an equal footing."
Noting the government was
seeking further input, Byers said the ASBA would analyze the report in depth
and submit its views to the Minister of Learning. "We will continue to
work with this to create the best possible approach to supporting parental involvement
in public education."
For more information contact: Lois Byers, ASBA President, at 1.780.632.9685 (cell).
To arrange an interview with Lois Byers, contact: Suzanne Lundrigan, ASBA Communications, at 1.780.451.7122.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
