Phi Delta Kappa - University of Alberta Chapter
Join us in this important work. Our next meeting is: December 5, 2013 Topic: Critical Skills for Today’s Leaders to Help Ensure Wellness (for every staff member) To register: Contact Dolaine Koch Click here for more information on Chapter meeting dates for this year! |
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - from Bob Garneau
It is challenging to gauge how Alberta’s education system has evolved in the 50 years since the establishment of the University of Alberta Chapter - Phi Delta Kappa, especially for those of us who have been immersed in it for our whole lives! Whereas some would say that today’s typical classroom doesn’t differ much from that of 1963, others would argue that there have been many innovations, albeit subtle ones.
The critical role that the education system plays in our society continues to be acknowledged by Albertans, considering the significant part of the provincial budget devoted to its funding and the very positive results of government-sponsored polls. An aptitude for life-long learning and a post-secondary education have become prerequisites for a person’s success in an ever-changing, increasingly global world. According to the Report of the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy (May, 2011):
“To ensure our future prosperity, we must…evolve the education system to reflect the new requirements of a complex global economy—putting a strong focus on building a global perspective, make it easier to move in and out of formal learning systems, pursue multiple paths, and learn through life...Around the world, education is increasingly recognized as essential to prosperity…The Alberta economy needs people to keep learning.”
An effective education system means more than preparing an effective workforce; in any societal context, it:
- promotes every child’s successful transition to adulthood
- gives every learner quality educational opportunities to achieve the goals of education and to fulfil their potential
- provides a ‘level playing field’ for every child to become a responsible and productive citizen with fair and equitable access to the ‘good life’.
The results of consultations with Albertans in 2008-2010 related to the Inspiring Education initiative clearly indicated that Albertans have an abiding interest in ensuring educational excellent for our children and youth and have a very high opinion of those who teach and lead in the system. Most of us rely on our personal experiences when we comment on the state of education and envision its future; consequently, educational reform is challenging as leaders try to find an effective yet acceptable balance between the need to retain its most effective and popular aspects with the need to design and deliver education in ways that develop new 21st century competencies in our students. One factor remains paramount in sustaining an effective education system, transcending all generations: competent, committed and confident teachers and school leaders.
Membership in Phi Delta Kappa International gives those of us involved in Alberta’s education system, in various capacities, a valuable opportunity to access and participate in an international ‘dialogue’ on those issues affecting education across international boundaries. At same time, a Chapter membership that includes practicing and retired teachers and educational leaders, pre-service teachers, instructors from our local faculties of education and Alberta Education officials provides for our own rich dialogue on local issues and on the future of education in this province. Undoubtedly the founders of our organization and Chapter saw the value in establishing such relationships and discussions, a value that is as important today as it was in 1963. I am confident that we are continuing this legacy with the same passion for and devotion to education.
Our fiftieth year finds us on the threshold of educational transformation as the Minister of Education again engages with Albertans in determining how the vision of education from Inspiring Education can be brought to life; the recently announced Minister’s Task Force for Teaching Excellence is charged with developing recommendations on legislation and policy directions that will enable and empower educators for career-long practice excellence. Further information on the Task force mandate, membership and consultation process can be found at https://legerweb.com/TeachingExcellence/. It behooves all members of our Chapter to participate in the conversation as we all have a vested interest in the future of education in this province.
I have challenged our membership to commit to expanding our Chapter membership in 2013-14, with a goal of 50 new members to commemorate our 50th anniversary. An expanded membership enriches our community of educators, bringing a wider diversity of perspectives to our deliberations. It would be a very fitting tribute to our founding members to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
It is challenging to gauge how Alberta’s education system has evolved in the 50 years since the establishment of the University of Alberta Chapter - Phi Delta Kappa, especially for those of us who have been immersed in it for our whole lives! Whereas some would say that today’s typical classroom doesn’t differ much from that of 1963, others would argue that there have been many innovations, albeit subtle ones.
The critical role that the education system plays in our society continues to be acknowledged by Albertans, considering the significant part of the provincial budget devoted to its funding and the very positive results of government-sponsored polls. An aptitude for life-long learning and a post-secondary education have become prerequisites for a person’s success in an ever-changing, increasingly global world. According to the Report of the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy (May, 2011):
“To ensure our future prosperity, we must…evolve the education system to reflect the new requirements of a complex global economy—putting a strong focus on building a global perspective, make it easier to move in and out of formal learning systems, pursue multiple paths, and learn through life...Around the world, education is increasingly recognized as essential to prosperity…The Alberta economy needs people to keep learning.”
An effective education system means more than preparing an effective workforce; in any societal context, it:
- promotes every child’s successful transition to adulthood
- gives every learner quality educational opportunities to achieve the goals of education and to fulfil their potential
- provides a ‘level playing field’ for every child to become a responsible and productive citizen with fair and equitable access to the ‘good life’.
The results of consultations with Albertans in 2008-2010 related to the Inspiring Education initiative clearly indicated that Albertans have an abiding interest in ensuring educational excellent for our children and youth and have a very high opinion of those who teach and lead in the system. Most of us rely on our personal experiences when we comment on the state of education and envision its future; consequently, educational reform is challenging as leaders try to find an effective yet acceptable balance between the need to retain its most effective and popular aspects with the need to design and deliver education in ways that develop new 21st century competencies in our students. One factor remains paramount in sustaining an effective education system, transcending all generations: competent, committed and confident teachers and school leaders.
Membership in Phi Delta Kappa International gives those of us involved in Alberta’s education system, in various capacities, a valuable opportunity to access and participate in an international ‘dialogue’ on those issues affecting education across international boundaries. At same time, a Chapter membership that includes practicing and retired teachers and educational leaders, pre-service teachers, instructors from our local faculties of education and Alberta Education officials provides for our own rich dialogue on local issues and on the future of education in this province. Undoubtedly the founders of our organization and Chapter saw the value in establishing such relationships and discussions, a value that is as important today as it was in 1963. I am confident that we are continuing this legacy with the same passion for and devotion to education.
Our fiftieth year finds us on the threshold of educational transformation as the Minister of Education again engages with Albertans in determining how the vision of education from Inspiring Education can be brought to life; the recently announced Minister’s Task Force for Teaching Excellence is charged with developing recommendations on legislation and policy directions that will enable and empower educators for career-long practice excellence. Further information on the Task force mandate, membership and consultation process can be found at https://legerweb.com/TeachingExcellence/. It behooves all members of our Chapter to participate in the conversation as we all have a vested interest in the future of education in this province.
I have challenged our membership to commit to expanding our Chapter membership in 2013-14, with a goal of 50 new members to commemorate our 50th anniversary. An expanded membership enriches our community of educators, bringing a wider diversity of perspectives to our deliberations. It would be a very fitting tribute to our founding members to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
Next meeting is: "Balancing Work and Life"
December 5, 2013 , Faculty Club, U of A,
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
To register: Contact - Dolaine Koch
Click here for more information on Chapter meeting dates for this year!
