VICTORIA – Improving student achievement, implementing more green initiatives and
developing healthier schools are just some of the Province’s goals for the
upcoming school year, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.
“Student achievement continues to be a top
priority for this government, and we want to see our students grow, learn and
be successful in school,” said Bond. “By focusing on achievement, literacy, health
and physical activity and the environment, we will continue to bring out
the best in every student.”
Here is
what’s new in education for 2008/2009:
- Healthy
Schools – a combination of mandatory daily physical activity and a
provincewide ban on junk food sales on both public and independent school
property will help to promote a healthier school environment for students.
Students in kindergarten to Grade 9 will now have to complete 30 minutes
of physical activity a day, while students in grades 10 through 12 are now
required to be physically active for 150 minutes a week. By introducing
mandatory daily physical activity and banning junk food sales in B.C.
schools, British Columbia has achieved
the highest school health standards in Canada.
- Going
Green – new and upgraded schools will adhere to LEED Gold energy and
environmental standards, such as energy-efficient heating and lighting
systems. By developing new curricula and providing resources such as Eco
Kits for schools and an interdisciplinary Environmental Learning Guide for
teachers, the ministry is helping educators teach students about climate
change and environmental sustainability.
- Curriculum
– the new English 12 First Peoples course will be offered as an English 12
credit for graduation. The course curriculum was developed in partnership
with the First Nations Education Steering Committee. This new course will
also be accepted for most post-secondary entrance requirements.
- Education
Guarantee – Stage 3 of the Education Guarantee is being introduced this
fall. This stage will allow students to take free adult basic education
classes through school districts. The first stage, introduced last
September, offered tuition-free courses
for all students through the Province’s virtual school, LearnNowBC.
Stage 2 was implemented in January 2008 and includes free basic education
for adults who want to take courses through post-secondary institutions.
“These programs
and strategies will help improve the success of all students and ultimately the
well-being of the province,” said Bond. “B.C. is well on its way to becoming
the healthiest, best-educated and most-literate jurisdiction on the continent
because of the incredible staff, students and schools.”
Since
2000-01, the Province has increased funding to B.C. public schools to record
levels, even though enrolment is declining. Funding has increased by close to
$1.2 billion: $789 million in operating grants and $407 million in one-time
grants. During the same period, the number of students in the system has
declined by more than 50,000.
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