Minister of Education Meeting

BCSSA table officers met with the new Minister of Education, George Abbott on Friday afternoon. The meeting was very positive with the Minister acknowledging the need for ongoing dialogue with representative groups including the BCSSA. President Keven Elder reiterated our commitment to enabling the success of every child in BC and our desire to work with government and partner groups to ensure that this is accomplished.

The Minister reflected on his experiences in the Health portfolio and how that sector reached common understandings during his time as Minister. While there was no set agenda, the discussion was pleasant, respectful and optimistic. Discussion included:

• Interest in supporting K-12 public education, particularly with respect to early learning and personalized 21st century learning
• Keeping aboriginal education as a top priority
• Willingness to discuss large scale assessment practices with partner groups
• Consideration of a conference or series of symposia about the challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning in the 21st century - particularly with respect to sharing innovative practices
• Recognition of the fine work taking place across the province
• Understanding of the role that technology plays in teaching and learning
• Recognition of "best practices" and sharing across the province within similar contexts
• A desire to continue regular meetings with partner groups

The meeting concluded with our agreement to work together and help modernize the education system for the 21st century. This important work will come from a shared belief that paying attention to the early years is a critical part of ensuring that all students not only graduate from secondary school, but that they do so fully equipped with the skills they need to be productive citizens in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The BCSSA office is located at:

Suite 208
1118 Homer St.
Vancouver, BC
V6B 6L5

tel: 604.687.0590
fax: 604.687.8118

BCSSA Staff

Mac Petrie
mpetrie@bcssa.org
Executive Director

Doreen Schieweck
dschieweck@bcssa.org
Executive Assistant

Lisa Aspinall
laspinall@bcssa.org
Communications Manager

Kim Young
kimyoung@bcssa.org
Pro D Coordinator

Colin McDougall
cmcdougall@bcssa.org
Programs Manager, Member Services

Visit our website:
www.bcssa.org