Educational issues, short-term and long-term, continually come to the Board table; part of leadership is thinking ahead and preparing for what issues are likely to come up. Main issues currently on my radar:
COVID / COVID Recovery
Obviously COVID has had an enormous impact on all sectors and all people. There are immediate and likely long-term effects on Education such as addressing the learning gap, monitoring and supporting the social emotional impact, and preparing for a potential staff shortage.
Curriculum development/implementation
There is no question that Alberta is due for an update when it comes to curriculum. A considerable amount of work has gone into curriculum development over the past decade.
A strong education system relies on curriculum as its foundation. Despite some curriculum being outdated, Alberta has an absolutely world-class curriculum. As we revise, we need to maintain this world-class status.
Implementation of a new curriculum - one that has had numerous flaws identified - during a time when students are facing a significant learning gap as a result of COVID, and teachers are already stretched to their limits - is a recipe for failure.
It is unfortunate that teachers, our curriculum experts, are not getting the necessary input, and that the process has becomes so political.
Funding Formula Changes
We are in the early stages with a brand new funding model that is intended to provide predictable and sustainable funding; time will tell.
Simultaneous to the new model has come a decrease in funding for Education. I strongly believe that Education is an investment, and needs to be financially supported as such.
Enrolment Growth
While we often refer to this as a good problem to have, there are significant challenges that come with ongoing significant growth, particularly with respect to funding and facilities.
Balance of being a 'Rurban' division
Black Gold is one of the school divisions in the province labelled as 'Rurban'. This means that an ongoing challenge is balancing the unique needs and dynamics of both rural and urban centres.
Mental Health / Wellness / Diversity / Inclusion
Yes - this is a broad spectrum of topics! For the sake of brevity I have combined them, however each are in important in their own way. The Division has made great strides in all of these areas, however I will continue to champion further knowledge, growth, and response in these areas.
I am well-known at the board level for my passion for supporting mental health and wellness - for our students and staff. I am an advocate for integrated social emotional learning and positive communication. I also strongly support the value of well-integrated trauma aware/informed lens.
Indigenous education
I am an ally born and raised on Treaty 4 land, now living and working here in Treaty 6 territory. I am intentional about my own learning, and support the integration of Indigenous Education - including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge, language, culture, and traditions - continuously throughout our schools; Truth and Reconciliation belongs to all of us.
I have proudly participated in many humbling learning experiences, and will continue to foster knowledge growth, reflection, and healing.
Note: These responses are brief and are intended to be a highlight only. I would be happy to speak with you more in depth about any of these areas if you have questions!