Transforming the way we learn in Alberta

I had the opportunity to take part in one of the Education Transformation meetings that Alberta Education hosted throughout all regions of the province last month. The meetings were a way to bring the three main partners - Alberta Education, Alberta Teachers Association and Alberta School Boards Association - together and discuss how we will transform our education system to meet the needs of our students in this ever-changing, global society.


At our meeting in Red Deer, there were 19 tables. Each table had local representation from all three partners in their respective school division areas. We had two trustees, an assistant superintendent, three local teachers (including our local ATA president), an Alberta Ed rep and a notetaker at our table.


The day started off with a panel discussion from leaders of all three provincial partners: Deputy Minister Kerry Henkay, ATA VP Mark Ramsanker and ASBA President Jacquie Hansen. 


The remainder of the day was divided into three sections for group discussion, each discussing three questions:


Focus Area #1: Shared Understanding/Shared Opportunity - Support for the idea of transformation as a shared process
1. What's the most important characteristic of education transformation for you?
2. If transformation is about moving from one reality to another, what does that entail?
3. Discuss the relationship enhancements that articulate a new way of working together - what do we have to change about how we relate to one another?


Focus Area #2: Moving Forward Together: Who Does What? - Shared commitment to priority items/role and responsibilities
1. If we are to collaborate on transformation, what's most important to work together on?
2. How do we define our respective roles and responsibilities in taking on these topics?
3. How do we hold one another accountable for our mutual success?


Focus Area #3: Outcome: Support for Moving Forward Together
1. What are some ways ATA, ASBA and Alberta Education can start taking action for transformation?
2. Is a plan required to guide the process? If so, what types of plans/planning are needed and who should lead their development?
3. How, when and at what levels (local/provincial) do we involve other stakeholders in the process?


These questions created great discussion at our table, and, from what we heard back from others, great discussion all around. There is no denying that these three provincial partners have not always played well in the sandbox together in the past, but this "landmark-type" meeting was a step in the right direction, from what we heard and experienced. 


There is still a long way to go, especially with the new Education Act coming out next year and all of its implications, but I strongly believe that if we keep the conversation going and continue to foster our relationships with one another, we can all succeed in building a stronger education system for our children. After all, we all have the same goal of providing the best education for our students.


We will be discussing these questions at our public board meeting tomorrow and will be bringing them forward to our local School Councils. As long as we continue pushing forward the concept of transformation at the grass roots level, I don't think this province has any choice, but to move forward.