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Intermediate Review - Background

Thu, 05/14/2009 - 23:00 — admin

The OCDSB is implementing an Intermediate Review this year, which seems to be code for a change in how teaching blocks are set out. On a more practical level, it has ramifications for specialty teacher instructions, and with that, how many extra-curricular programs may be offered. Think Drama taught by a teacher who has normally just taught Math. Think no Boom!

Where did this start? Unfortunately, despite the board's promises, there has been no consultation with parents or teachers about the goals and proposed changes. Nor has there been any meaningful communication. An unannounced discussion at a poorly attended council meeting, but no letter home.

Digging further, Summit School council has found the Intermediate Review final policy paper from the board. See attached. It outlines a goal of meeting a provincial guideline for literacy minutes. Was this the only way to meet it?

One of the tenets of the Alternative Program, as advertized in the board brochures, is that it is built upon consultation and co-operation between teachers, parents and students. The board needs to live up to this promise. The board needs to put the Intermediate Review changes on hold until such time as a proper notification and consultation can take place.

This site is a place to get involved, share information and be heard. Pass us around.

AttachmentSize
Board Report - Intermediate Review - Final - Mar 2009 2.pdf84.49 KB
Wed, 06/10/2009 - 15:20 — Richard Deadman

Board acknowledges that more communication is needed

At the June 9th Board Meeting, trustees approved District Goals for next year, which include:

Intermediate Program: (Notes/Consideration) Communication with school communities required

This is not the same as admitting that the Review needs to be put on hold or revisited, but it is a start.

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 07:50 — Richard Deadman

Education Committee Meeting

I went to the board's Education Committee meeting on Tuesday night to ask the board to delay the Intermediate Review implementation until a proper consultation had taken place. Some notes:

  • Bob Ferguson of the Ottawa Carleton Elementary Teachers Federation told me before the meeting:
    1. The teachers in the federation are against this change and the process behind it.
    2. They are aware of the Summit Council meeting on Wednesday night and Jan Fraser from the Federation will be attending.
    3. Despite what the board report says, this is not driven by a provincial policy. They have talked to the ADM of the Ministry of Education and all the ministry was asking boards for was information on what types of literacy blocks they have in place now.
    4. The Federation pushed for teacher consultation. The board finally granted it during the labour negotiations, so the federation staff were not present. The teachers that were present were told that the consultation was not about the policy change but rather its implementation.
  • Jennifer Adams, Superintendent of Curriculum, responded to my question by saying that schools have until 2010 to implement the policy change and that the board is working with Fisher Park and Summit to ensure that the change is properly phased in. She also indicated that someone from her staff will be at the Summit Council meeting tonight.
  • As I was leaving the meeting, I was approached by Katherine Stauble, chair of the board's Advisory Committee on the Arts. They are also very concerned about this change and took down our contact information.