Lessons from America. The future for BC.
Gibson Auditorium, Rm 216, Young Building, Landsdowne Campus, Camosun College, 3100 Foul Bay Rd, Victoria
SPEAKERS: Steve Miller, Teacher and Public Education Advocate from Oakland, California; Paul Shaker, Former Dean of the Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University; Mike Zlotnik, President, Charter for Public Education Network
In BC, there is growing concern over the effects of FSA (Foundation Skills Assessment) testing. More parents are refusing to let their children write the test. In Victoria, teachers have raised similar concerns over increasing numbers of District standardized tests. Starting with a first hand account of the effects of the No Child Left Behind policy in America, panelists discuss the new emphasis -- and excesses – of standardized testing, data collection, and "accountability" in our public school systems. What’s behind the tests? Why the interest in ranking schools? Are the tests improving public education or harming it? Is BC going the way of the US? What are constructive alternatives to the testing/ranking accountability agenda?
SPONSORED BY British Columbia Society for Public Education, Camosun College Students’ Society, Charter for Public Education Network, Council of Canadians Victoria, Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, Students for a Democratic Society, Victoria Public Education Coalition
