ASBA asks Albertans if they are happy with job schools are doing in shaping citizens
Release date: February 6, 2001
The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) today unveiled a province-wide consultation that will ask Albertans how well schools are doing in terms of shaping young people into good citizens.
A public opinion poll, web page survey, call for write-in responses and local consultations by school boards are among the components of the two-month data gathering process which will result in a report reflecting Albertans response to the question: Are the efforts of school boards to shape young people into good citizens meeting society's expectations?
"School boards have a role to play in shaping young citizens. We want to check with Albertans to see how well we are meeting their standards," said ASBA President Lois Byers. "A quick scan of the media suggests to us that this is an issue that is very important to all Albertans and an issue that we should bring to the broad community."
Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg commended the school boards for the initiative. "Schools play an important role in helping to guide the development of students," said Dr. Oberg. "I commend school boards across the province for seeking input and advice from Albertans on ways that our public education system can further this role to the benefit of students and our communities."
The data collected through the opinion poll, on-line survey, written submissions and local consultations will be compiled into a report, which will be released in mid-May.
"The information we gather from the citizens we serve will provide a solid guideline for future action on this fundamental issue," said Byers.
Albertans are welcome to fill out the ASBA survey regarding citizenship posted on the ASBA site.
For more information contact: Lois Byers, ASBA President at 1.780.632.9685 (cell) or Suzanne Lundrigan, ASBA Manager of Communications at 1.780.451.7122.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
