In this issue:

• Funding formula changes coming
• Teacher–province labour negotiations
• Parent–teacher interview tips
• Changes needed to Aboriginal education
• "Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities"
• Parent engagement tutorial
• Book a P4E speaker

Ministry of Education plans changes to funding

Very short consultation could lead to funding cuts

Between November 18 and November 30, the Ministry of Education is consulting with key stakeholders on possible changes to the education funding formula. The consultations may result in substantial changes and some cuts to funding. Some of the areas being considered include:

• a more effective way for school boards to share costs;
• changes/cuts to funding for small and underutilized schools and possibly more school closings;
• changes to the Accommodation Review Process;
• a requirement for students to take at least one course through e-learning; and
• changes to boards’ reporting requirements so that boards which are meeting Ministry academic and financial targets, will be rewarded with reductions in reporting requirements; boards who are struggling to meet the goals would presumably have more reporting requirements.

Click here to read more.

New law would cover education labour relations

On October 22, the Minister of Education introduced Bill 122, the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, 2013.

The act states that some bargaining will happen at central provincial tables, and some at the local board level. The act covers teachers and school boards, but other employees, such as support staff or other board employees, may be added by regulation. Regulations can be enacted without going back to the Legislature for a vote.

If passed, this law will take effect before August 2014, when most education collective agreements expire.

Click here to read more.

Parent–teacher interview tips

"But really, I swear, the teacher said you don't have to go to the interviews."

Okay, the first tip is to ignore your children when they try this line on you (and they will!) Parent–teacher interviews are around the corner, and People for Education has a tip sheet, available in 15 languages, about this important part of your child’s school year. The interviews are usually only 10-15 minutes long, so it is important to be prepared in order to get the most out of your time with the teacher.

The tip sheet covers every step of the interview process, including how to prepare, possible questions to ask, and how to follow up after the interview.

Click here to download the tip sheet.

Changes needed to Aboriginal education

People for Education has released a new report calling for substantial changes to Aboriginal education and teacher training in Ontario schools. The report was written in collaboration with an advisory committee representing a wide cross-section of First Nations and Métis organizations. It points out that in Ontario, the vast majority (82%) of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students attend provincially funded schools in Ontario school boards.

There are a number of recommendations for changes – to teacher education, funding, and achievement targets.

Click here to read more.

“Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities” Video

There's a great new video on YouTube that has lots of practical tips to help you transform your school.

Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Can Make a Difference is an illustrated video developed by Ophea’s Physical Activity Resource Centre (PARC) that is designed to support individuals and communities in working towards healthy schools.  Produced in collaboration with People for Education and the Ontario Healthy Schools Coalition, the video can be shared with school councils and community organizations.

Parent Engagement Tutorial

The Ontario Library Association has developed a parent engagement tutorial called 21st Century School Libraries, Parent Engagement and Student Achievement. This interactive tutorial can be viewed at home by parents or used by school councils and parent groups. It is full of useful information and downloadable PDFs to help plan literacy-rich events and initiatives.

Book a People for Education Speaker for your next event

Are you looking for a speaker for your next event or conference? Our expert speakers can address a wide variety of topics related to public education – everything from homework help to EQAO testing to parent involvement that makes a difference. Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of your group.  We have appeared at conferences across Canada, and offer parent workshops to schools and community groups across the province.

Our speakers can travel to your location or join you online in a webinar. Fees include preparation/presentation time and materials for participants. For more information or to book a speaker, please contact Laurie Matheson at laurie@peopleforeducation.ca.