Friday, December 7, 2007

SCHOOL DISTRICTS SHARE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SUCCESSES

2007EDU0176-001593
Dec. 7, 2007
Ministry of Education

VANCOUVER – School districts from across B.C. are meeting to showcase innovative teaching practices and display their best ideas for improving student achievement, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

“We’re pleased that district teams are coming together to share their projects, teaching methods and strategies to improve student achievement throughout the province,” said Bond. “The Learning in Action Showcase demonstrates some of the great work being done to help every student achieve their best, in school and in life.”

The second annual Learning in Action Showcase features the work of 44 B.C. school districts. Each district will present one innovative teaching practice under the themes of leadership, literacy, the first 10 years, middle years to secondary, and equitable futures. The showcase offers an opportunity for educators to celebrate the creative ways they are helping to improve student achievement in their districts.

“The BCSTA is once again very proud to be involved with the Learning in Action Showcase,” said Penny Tees, president of the BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA). “The showcase provides a wonderful opportunity for us all to share successful practices and learn from each other. It also highlights the innovation and dedication of teachers, district staff and school trustees throughout the province.”

The Ministry of Education, the BCSTA and the BC School Superintendents Association (BCSSA) have worked in partnership to host the Learning in Action Showcase, a highlight of the BCSTA’s Innovation Academy, underway in Vancouver.

“The research is clear that what matters most in improving student learning is strong instructional practice,” said Geoff Jopson, superintendent for the West Vancouver School District and president of the BCSSA. “The Learning in Action Showcase provides a wonderful opportunity for some of British Columbia’s most creative and inspiring teachers to share new strategies with their colleagues from across the province. We have a world-class system, and this is public education at its best.”

The Province is working to make B.C. the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent. The government introduced legislation in the spring to help improve student achievement by making boards of education more accountable for student results, providing students and parents with more choice, and increasing support to school districts.

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Media
contact:
Lara Perzoff
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
250 920-9040 (cell)





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