Rocky View Schools’ trustees unanimously approved a new three-year plan after a detailed presentation from Superintendent of Schools Greg Bass, June 2.
The document focuses on enriching student experience and differs from the first three-year plan that attempted to engage kids with new technology and learning methods.
“This is far beyond the use of technology,” said Bass to trustees. “This is a shift in pedagogical practices. It moves away from ‘let’s sit down and I’ll fill your head full of knowledge’… to creating structures within classrooms for organic and authentic learning experiences.”
The plan has four major goals — students feeling safe and valued, kids taking ownership of their learning, realizing learning can happen anywhere and in multiple ways and digital technology to enhance the school experience — that were outlined by Bass. In addition, the superintendent outlined multiple goals and targets within each of the four major themes of the plan.
By 2013, the division expects to be operating at 94 per cent capacity, nine points higher than the 85 per cent utilization rate goal set by the Province.
Ward 4 Trustee Helen Clease opened discussion by stating her approval of the new plan.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I like the process, I like the opportunity to get people involved in the process. I think we are known for collaboration.”
Airdrie trustees Don Thomas and Sylvia Eggerer expressed their reservations about the plan, including a document that’s too general and not enough emphasis on relationships.
“I wish that we would recognize in this plan, a little bit more, the human aspect of this as opposed to the technological advancement, which of course, is driving us and where we’re going,” said Eggerer. “We can’t ever forget that what makes school relevant for our children when they go there are the people that meet them at the door and the people that introduce them in the classroom.”
For the full plan, visit www.rockyview.ab.ca/3yp