The new Family of Schools District Advisory Councils will give parents and students a voice in an education system that is focused on the learner, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie.
“Excellence in education hinges on meaningful input from all partners, and District Advisory Councils will give students, parents and guardians and school council members a stronger voice in their education system,” said Minister Currie. “Through our eight District Advisory Councils, members will identify education priorities within their own district and provide advice to government on important education issues.”
The District Advisory Councils will begin meeting next week. These councils will enable conversations between students and parents within eight councils that are based on the existing families of schools.
District Advisory Councils are made up of:
· A member of each school council/home and school association in the family of schools
· Two students from high schools within the family of schools
· A regional director of the PEI Home and School Federation for the family of schools
Pat Campbell has been organizing District Advisory Council meetings and will act as a facilitator and liaison with the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture. “Through a collaborative approach, we can form successful partnerships with parents and students to improve learning,” said Ms. Campbell. “Research shows that parent involvement in schools significantly increases student performance and achievement.”
The District Advisory Councils will consider local issues as well as topics that the Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture is seeking advice on, including:
· Length / time of school day
· Rezoning
· Learner supports
· Technology in learning
· Experiential learning opportunities
· Student transitions from primary to secondary levels
“For more than 60 years home and schools have brought together communities to focus on the total well-being of youth ,” said Home and School Federation president Peter Rukavina. “The Family of Schools District Advisory Councils provide an additional venue for these discussions to take place.”
Government is committed to drawing on the expertise of Islanders to help shape public policy that will truly support Island learners. To do this, Prince Edward Island is leading a new model of collaboration and shared leadership in learning. The Learning Partners Advisory Council will advance a learner-centred culture of educational excellence from birth, through post-secondary and the workforce. The District Advisory Councils will provide a stronger voice for students and parents in shaping public policy in K-12 education. The Principals Council will enable focused conversations on learning perspectives and learner needs from the perspective of school principals.
For more information on District Advisory Councils, members and upcoming meetings, visit: http://www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/DAC