ASBA - Alberta School Boards Association

ASBA consultation reveals public support for mandatory citizenship activities in schools and concern about discipline

Release Date: June 19, 2001

The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) today released the results of a $10,000 dollar public consultation that asked Albertans: Are the efforts of school boards to shape young people into good citizens meeting society's expectations? The public consultation provided an opportunity for Albertans to tell school boards what they think and to offer suggestions for improvement.

The "Shaping Young People Into Good Citizens" report summarizes the findings and recommendations that emerged from the consultation, which the ASBA launched in January. Hundreds of Albertans were involved through an Ipsos Reid omnibus poll (800 respondents), an online survey (380 respondents), 18 local school board consultations and written submissions.

Key findings:

Respondents agree on the characteristics of a good citizen.
Respondents express very strong public support for mandatory
citizenship activities in schools.
Respondents express significant concern about discipline
and bullying in schools.
Respondents say it is important for students to have positive
role models in the school and community.
Many respondents say schools are not teaching students the
life skills they need to cope adequately in adult society.

"The question of citizenship struck a chord with Albertans," said ASBA President Lois Byers. "The ASBA Board of Directors has adopted the seven recommendations that emerged through this consultation. We are committed to responding to the concerns and advice provided by Albertans. School boards recognize and accept the responsibility we have to help students learn life skills, to understand proper behaviour in a social context and to encourage quality character traits."

The next step will see the ASBA develop an action plan to respond to the seven recommendations:

That school boards identify further strategies to deal with bullying and aggressive behaviour.
That school boards survey their communities regarding appropriate
citizenship activities and ensure these activities become a mandatory
part of the school program.
That the ASBA open discussion with its members and Alberta Learning to identify strategies to respond to the call for mandatory citizenship activities.
That the ASBA initiate discussions with the Alberta Teachers' Association to identify strategies to raise awareness of the importance of staff members providing effective role models for students.
That school boards undertake to inform their communities of the many positive things that are being accomplished in schools.
That school boards challenge their school councils to identify local issues, community expectations and standards, and possible solutions.
That the ASBA support the exploration of choice and alternative educational programs by its member boards.

A copy of the "Shaping Young People Into Good Citizens" report is available on the ASBA web site or by calling this toll free number 1.877.838.2722.

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.