Rocky View Schools’ trustees held their first meeting after a two-month summer hiatus, Aug. 18.
Superintendent of Schools Greg Bass delivered his report on learner accountability, First Nations learning and a second reading of an existing school policy.
The school division has made headway in providing new digital tools to students and teachers, according to Bass.
With ePearl and Mahara, two electronic portfolio managers boasting 1,450 users, the push for students creating online learning profiles is expanding, according to Bass.
The use of laptops by Springbank High School students has successfully been implemented, as has a new learning commons at Meadowbrook Middle School in Airdrie.
Crossfield Elementary School administration is developing a Centre of Excellence for the students through collaborative research.
Cochrane High School has begun capturing podcasts in audio and video formats for its students in an attempt to give kids more control of their education.
“The power of the project is extending our school walls and placing more control in the students’ hands to manage their learning,” said Bass.
Bass praised the work of the school division to help build relationships with groups including Stoney Nakoda and Tsuu T’ina Nation elders.
A sizable network was established that consisted of parents, teachers and community members as resource people within RVS.
Challenges ahead include bolstering graduation rates, literacy and further participation by parents in their children’s education.
The school board currently has 650 First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and receives $1,300 per student in government grants.
Trustees approved second reading of an amended policy regarding transportation that would alter the distance children walk to school in urban centres.
Currently, students who live within two kilometres of their school in urban areas have the choice to walk or take a bus. If approved, the distance will be lowered to 1.5 kilometres.
“Many parents feel that the two-kilometre walk is excessive for young students and also that student safety on the way to school is an issue,” said Darrell Couture, associate superintendent of business and operations, at the time of the initial amendment.
The policy amendment will have a projected cost of $80,000 to RVS.
