Hi Jamie,
I have been on vacation in California, and not looking at emails, so sorry I am a bit late responding.
The areas you have identified are very broad. Our education system is run by Provincial Governments, not federal so the response I can provide is more based on Manitoba that across Canada, although different provinces are similar.
Our educational direction is set by Manitoba Education(ME).
In terms of excellence, everything we do is aimed at excellence. Students are taught in a way that hopefully makes every student reach excellence. Our public education system is for all students, and the expectation is that all students will be successful. Some specific things that address equity are:
1. "Bill 13" passed several years ago that legislates that special education students get appropriate educational programming. This includes assessments, supports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Education Plans (BIPs),
particular planning for transitions between education levels and after Grade 12 into the workplace or special programs, parental involvement and Team Meeting an decision making requirements.
2. Differentiated Instruction and supports through Resource and sometimes Adapted Education
Plans (AEPs) to support students that are requiring adaptations or extra supports or time to reach our Grade Level Curriculum outcomes.
3. Categorical Funding, through special applications that schools prepare to get extra monetary support for students that have significant needs. Examples are Autistic Students, Significant Behaviour Students, FAS Students, Multiply Handicapped Students etc. This extra money, is usually used by schools to get paraprofessional support for the student, but can also be used for extra Resource Teacher time, Guidance Counsellor time, OT time. PT time, etc. The money is provided to School Divisions to support these students in regular schools and classrooms.
4. Aboriginal Academic Achievement- In our curriculums there are Distinctive Learning Outcomes related to Aboriginal culture and heritage. Grants are provided to School Divisions and Schools are provided to support this learning for all students.
5. English as a Second Language (EAL) receives extra support through grants/ funding from the government to schools divisions and then to schools. For example in my school, we receive several thousand dollars in funding, we have a paraprofessional that works with students to learn English, and we have a Division al consultant that works with every family that is designated as EAL for integration into school and doing an initial Assessment of English Language skills. Students that are EAL also receive specific reporting that tracks their English Language Learning.
6. There are also special funds provided for Learning and Behaving and Early Years/ Preschool support.
I'm sure there are more things I could list. Please ask me if there is something specific that you are wondering.
In terms of excellence, we do focus on Differentiated Instruction, Assessment..... particularly "Assessment for Learning", Using multiple intelligences, triangulating evidence about learning ( Observations, Conversations and Products), engagement in learning, authentic learning experiences, Inquiry.... asking questions and using critical and creative thinking, Literacy with Information Technology( LwICT), and some Provincial Testing.
Also all students in Manitoba (except some Special Needs students) learn French beginning in Grade 4. Families also have the option of having their child attend French Immersion School where instruction is all in French other than one hour of English Language Arts taught in English per day. There are many other things that could also be included or expanded on.
Hope this is helpful.
Margaret
I have been on vacation in California, and not looking at emails, so sorry I am a bit late responding.
The areas you have identified are very broad. Our education system is run by Provincial Governments, not federal so the response I can provide is more based on Manitoba that across Canada, although different provinces are similar.
Our educational direction is set by Manitoba Education(ME).
In terms of excellence, everything we do is aimed at excellence. Students are taught in a way that hopefully makes every student reach excellence. Our public education system is for all students, and the expectation is that all students will be successful. Some specific things that address equity are:
1. "Bill 13" passed several years ago that legislates that special education students get appropriate educational programming. This includes assessments, supports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Education Plans (BIPs),
particular planning for transitions between education levels and after Grade 12 into the workplace or special programs, parental involvement and Team Meeting an decision making requirements.
2. Differentiated Instruction and supports through Resource and sometimes Adapted Education
Plans (AEPs) to support students that are requiring adaptations or extra supports or time to reach our Grade Level Curriculum outcomes.
3. Categorical Funding, through special applications that schools prepare to get extra monetary support for students that have significant needs. Examples are Autistic Students, Significant Behaviour Students, FAS Students, Multiply Handicapped Students etc. This extra money, is usually used by schools to get paraprofessional support for the student, but can also be used for extra Resource Teacher time, Guidance Counsellor time, OT time. PT time, etc. The money is provided to School Divisions to support these students in regular schools and classrooms.
4. Aboriginal Academic Achievement- In our curriculums there are Distinctive Learning Outcomes related to Aboriginal culture and heritage. Grants are provided to School Divisions and Schools are provided to support this learning for all students.
5. English as a Second Language (EAL) receives extra support through grants/ funding from the government to schools divisions and then to schools. For example in my school, we receive several thousand dollars in funding, we have a paraprofessional that works with students to learn English, and we have a Division al consultant that works with every family that is designated as EAL for integration into school and doing an initial Assessment of English Language skills. Students that are EAL also receive specific reporting that tracks their English Language Learning.
6. There are also special funds provided for Learning and Behaving and Early Years/ Preschool support.
I'm sure there are more things I could list. Please ask me if there is something specific that you are wondering.
In terms of excellence, we do focus on Differentiated Instruction, Assessment..... particularly "Assessment for Learning", Using multiple intelligences, triangulating evidence about learning ( Observations, Conversations and Products), engagement in learning, authentic learning experiences, Inquiry.... asking questions and using critical and creative thinking, Literacy with Information Technology( LwICT), and some Provincial Testing.
Also all students in Manitoba (except some Special Needs students) learn French beginning in Grade 4. Families also have the option of having their child attend French Immersion School where instruction is all in French other than one hour of English Language Arts taught in English per day. There are many other things that could also be included or expanded on.
Hope this is helpful.
Margaret
Wow! Jamie, I wish I had your contact! It was very interesting reading your post. I like the fact that the M.E. assigns consultants for the families and then tracks the progress of the family. In my center we have consultants but I am not sure if they are tracking the families once the child leaves services. Great job on your post!
ReplyDeleteJamie,
ReplyDeleteYou contact person supplied great information about Canada and their school systems. I like the fact that parents have an option about where they send their child to school. I am glad to see that someone was able to get a response from an outside contact.