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Christmas already!
When I was informed of the deadline for my article, I quietly
pondered over the message that I wanted to share with all of you.
This time last year, we had just withdrawn from the Education Task
Force - today, we are embarking on the journey of provincial
assessments that were recommended by that committee. After attending
the sessions for the Grade 3 Language Arts and Grade 9 Math teachers
given by the Department, I was approached by several teachers who
asked where PEITF stood on this issue. We are currently gathering
information regarding the development of these assessments. Our
PEITF policy does not support provincial testing; however, we do
state that teachers must be involved in determining the nature of
any assessment program, the developmental phase of the program as
well as in the administration of the program. While the intention of
the Department appears to want to involve teachers, many are
wondering if teachers will be asked to simply rubber-stamp a test
that essentially has been pre-determined by the "powers that be".
Our policy also recognizes teachers as the prime agents of student
evaluation - many teachers who have spoken to me have said, " Tell
us what you want and we will do it." Most are concerned with the
speed at which this process is occurring - we all know that quality
tends to be compromised in any product that is rushed through for
the sake of meeting a deadline. If teachers are going to develop
assessment tools which will benefit students and teachers, if the
goal is to identify where gaps are found in the curriculum, if
additional resources will be targeted to those schools experiencing
the greatest challenges, then the process needs to have the full
support and confidence of all teachers. Teachers are not opposed to
testing - they assess their students every day. But they believe in
authentic assessment, an over-used term, to say the least, but one
which accurately reflects the daily work of our teachers. The
assessments created must reflect the current reality experienced by
our students, be it in Grade 3 or Grade 9. Teachers will not support
a test whose end result is to create untold stress in their
students. What we do oppose is the implementation of a test which
sets students up for failure and creates have and have-not schools
across our province. Ironically, 2 out of my 3 children are in Grade
3 and Grade 9, so I will be able to witness first-hand the
experience from a parental point of view. So where do we stand?
Back, for now. We will continue to monitor the process as it
unfolds. Teachers need to express their concerns to me and to the
Department, because complacency indicates acceptance. Our Executive
is having a special meeting to discuss the issue of assessment in
view of the information gathered at the presentations and meetings;
we will undoubtedly have more to say in the New Year.
As I mentioned, it’s
Christmas, and I promised myself that I wouldn’t mention the "A"
word (assessment), but without success. How about the "N" word -
negotiations? 540 Economic Welfare surveys were returned out of a
potential of over 1500. A 182-page document has tabulated the
responses which will be analyzed by the Economic Welfare Committee.
Recently, Myles Ellis, our General Secretary and Chief Negotiator,
returned from a conference on bargaining where he learned of the
most current trends in settlements across the country both in public
and private sectors. Presentations by PEITF committees were heard by
the Economic Welfare Committee in December and dates for bargaining
will be formally established in the near future. I am continually
impressed by the professionalism of the Committee members as they
tackle very difficult issues along the way. We will keep you
informed of our progress as we move forward.
And now, the "H" word
- holidays, which you all deserve. Many of you feel that you have
packed a full year in already since September - school development,
Curriculum Analysis Strategy, StudentsAchieve, Tell Them From Me,
Health and Safety, Student Services, Special Needs, ESL - the list
is endless, but your energy is not. On December 22, park those
thoughts at the door as you wave good-bye to the last student
leaving on the bus. Go home, pour yourself a glass of eggnog,
sprinkle a little nutmeg in, add a drop of whatever else you may
find, and raise a glass to yourself - the best teacher you know!
Joyeux Noël et Bonne
Année! |
