On January 26, I was a guest of the Ministry of Education and Child Care (MECC) at High Performing Systems for Tomorrow, an event they co-hosted with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Once again, BC’s education system was recognized and praised as BC’s students consistently display high levels of achievement and success. Our public education system is in the same echelon as systems like Australia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, and Singapore. It is important for BC educators to note that it was specifically BC – not Canada, nor any other provincial education system – that was recognized by the OECD as one of the highest performing systems.
The event was attended by academics and senior ministry representatives from each of the international jurisdictions I mentioned, as well as MECC staff and a number of Superintendents. Under the guise of Key Initiatives that Support Human Flourishing, delegates talked about their respective systems through the lens of Governance, Education Structure, Curriculum and Assessment Models, Instructional Options, and Graduation. Under that criteria, BC led the pack with our modernized Curriculum and Assessment practices, our diversified instructional options, and our Graduation options for students that eschew streaming.
President Brian Leonard addressing the OECD delegates
The OECD delegates spent several days in Vancouver, and had a chance to visit schools in the region. Our system won high praise from delegates both for how we incorporate the First Peoples Principles of Learning into the curriculum, and the new Indigenous Graduation requirement. This peer recognition is significant, and BC’s educators have much to be proud of.
That same day, I attended a session of our Contract Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting. These members are regional representatives who are the eyes and ears of contract negotiations, advising the Board on matters pertaining to member contracts and employment relationships in Chapters around the province. Members of this committee have specialized knowledge and understanding of the Personal Services Contracts that govern the work of all BC Principals and Vice-Principals.
Claire George – SD 37-District Principal and CAC Member offersthe territorial acknowledgement
On Saturday January 27, the Member Support Services team – Carmen Eberle, David Nelson, and Acting Executive Director Magdalena Kassis, supported by MSS Assistant Emily Taylor – hosted our annual meeting of Contract Chairs. At this session, representatives heard from the Association’s legal counsel – DLA Piper’s Allen Soltan – who spoke about Governance, Legislation, and the Law as it pertains to contracts and employment relationships with boards of education. We also heard from BCPSEA’s Chris Beneteau, who talked about the history and current context for Exempt Staff Compensation. Attending members appreciated Chris’ candour as he responded to some very direct and detailed questions. Our Contract Chairs are dedicated – and frequently unsung – heroes, who undertake this important work for their Chapter colleagues off the side of their desks.
Contract Representatives from around the province listen
attentively to DLA Piper’s Allen Soltan
On Sunday February 4 and Monday February 5, the Association will bring together members of the Professional Learning & Development Advisory Committee and Chapter PLD Representatives for two days of immersive work, yet another way that the BCPVPA supports our members.