Tapestry 2010 registration is open
Professional Development Conference
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
February 19, 2010
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
To register,click here
School year begins with funding cuts and more oversize classes
BC Government cuts grants, no funding from Board to improve class sizes this year
Victoria teachers are deeply disappointed at the recent announcement of cuts to grants and PAC funds from the BC government. Once again, the government is putting students' education at risk by failing to adequately fund our public system. Funding cuts could impact playground upgrades, fieldtrips, and capital projects.
This is joined by an inadequate budget from our own Board, which will ensure that class sizes rise and overcrowded classes continue. The one-time funding of $500,000 used to hire teachers last year was removed from this year's budget, meaning larger and more crowded classrooms.
Dorsey Award on Class Size and Composition
The BCTF grieved 1700 classes, but so far only 81 were examined as "representative" cases. Arbitrator James Dorsey decided 21 of 81 classes he examined violated legislation.
The arbitrator found:
School boards violated the School Act in 21 of 81 representative classes.
Consultations were inadequate in 19 classes.
There was not a reasonably held opinnion the classes were appropriate for student learning in 2 classes.
What can teachers do?
Watch for a decision on remedies for teachers.
Make sure a Staff Rep from your school attends special Staff Rep training on Class Size legislation on Monday, September 14th, 1 - 3pm. (Call us for more details).
Ensure you make your opinions known to your school Principal if you have an overcrowded class. Full details are available from your Staff Rep.
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Tapestry 2010