Welcome!

1) SPEAK OUT Student Engagement Initiative  Online, forums, Annual Conference, Minister’s Student Advisory Council

... adults (parents/guardians and teachers) should communicate with them more effectively and frequently and adapt to students’ personalized learning styles ...students should take more responsibility for their own education by studying more, paying attention, and supporting each other (Forum results)

2) Setting the Direction for Special Needs Education engagement Initiative  2008 (consultation to create new framework)  2009 (proposed framework presented to the Minister)  2010 (the Minister responds with strategies for Curriculum, Capacity Building & Collaboration)

“One inclusive education system where each student is successful.”

3) Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans  This initiative has developed a twenty-year vision of an educated Albertan as someone who is...

 An engaged thinker  An ethical citizen  An entrepreneurial spirit

 Through Legislation  Through Regulation  Through Ongoing Discussion, Creativity, and Innovation throughout the entire system

 Draft of Proposed Framework released for Discussion (October 2010)  Legislation finalized and presented to Caucus (RIGHT NOW)  Early to Mid-February: Session commences.

 Minister requests permission to introduce the new legislation  First reading (No debate)  Second Reading (Debate confined to principles)  Referral to Committee (Detailed examination & amendments)  Third Reading (Debate, Amendments)  Royal Assent and Proclamation

 Once the legislation is passed, regulations will be written.

 To provide some basic “nugget” information on what the Act is expected to contain  To help you begin the process of assessing the Act.

 Will the new Act support making the vision a reality?  What excites you?  What questions do you have?

 Preamble 1) Access to Education 2) Opportunities for Learning 3) Student Needs & Dispute Resolution 4) Governance and Roles 5) Financial Responsibility 6) Educational Professions & Occupations.

Tonight we will look at only three parts of the proposed framework document circulated in early October:  The Preamble (which sets out the Vision)  Governance and Roles  Financial Responsibility

 To Listen and Learn  With your permission, to collect your questions and comments at the end and share them with our SW MLAs, with my fellow trustees, on my website, through my Insights e-letter  Any problems with mentioning your presence by name?  Any questions?

 Individually, read through the information provided and note what excites you and any questions you have.  Share questions and comments around the table. All questions and comments valid. Not trying to reach a consensus.  One person to record the questions on the flip chart.  One person to report back.

INTRODUCTIONS! Please introduce yourself to your table companions by giving your name. In one or two sentences… why are you here tonight?

If the Minister were in the room...  What would you tell him that you are excited about?  What questions do you have?

If the Minister were in the room...  What would you tell him that you are excited about?  What questions do you have?

If the Minister were in the room...  What would you tell him that you are excited about?  What questions do you have?

To share what you’re excited about, your comments, and your questions with...  our SW MLAs, The Honourable Dave Hancock and Mr. Fred Horne  with my fellow trustees  With the community on my website and through my Insights e-letter To share the model of meeting with other trustees in the province.

I encourage you  To inform your friends and family, fellow parents, School Councils about the fundamental importance of the new legislation – this “once in a lifetime” opportunity.  Make time to study the new legislation once it is introduced: What do you support? What excites you? What questions do you have?  Let your MLA know!