School Community Councils A New Framework for Achievement and Public Engagement Craig Melvin Cornwall Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2K The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 To provide: Understanding of the background and framework Knowledge of the purpose, role and responsibilities Awareness of the implementation timetable and related initiatives Purpose

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Craig Melvin, Chair Shirley Gange Gary Shaddock Purpose To recommend a framework for local accountability and community involvement in schools. Framework criteria: 1.Common and province-wide yet flexible. 2.Focus on enhancing learning outcomes and supporting the learning program and supports for learning. 3.Ensure Board of Education accountability. Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel Final Report Submitted to The Minister of Learning May 2005 Policy Directions for School Community Councils Provincial Response to the Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel Final Report November LAPP.shtml Local Accountability and Partnerships Panel

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 The School Community Council is an integral, purposeful and valued component of school division governance. Created through an election process. Integrated into Board of Education and school- level decision making processes. Work jointly and cooperatively with the community and school staff. Guided by common standards included in legislation. Boards of Education address flexibility through governing policy and operating procedure. Vision

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Vision The School Community Council is inclusive of the community and representative of the students in the school. Membership includes elected Representative Parent and Community Members, student and First Nations representatives, and Permanent Members including the Principal or delegate(s), a teacher and appointed advisory representatives to support implementation of School PLUS. Parents representative of the student body. Nomination and election at Annual Meeting. Representative Member staggered two-year terms with annual elections. Involvement is voluntary.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Vision The School Community Council roles are clear and well understood. The purpose of School Community Councils is to develop shared responsibility for the learning success and well-being for all children and youth and encourage and facilitate parent and community engagement. Understands community; Advises the school, Board and others; Develops and Recommends the Learning Improvement Plan; Approves fees, fundraising and student code of conduct; Takes Action on its initiatives, Reports to community; and, Develops its Capacity. Develops and submits for approval a Constitution to the Board.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Vision The School Community Councils responsibilities address key matters that make a difference in student learning and well-being. Focuses its attention on the areas of the Learning Improvement Plan where the parent/community perspective and efforts are most appropriate and needed. Monitors its activities to support continuous improvement in the areas of student learning and well-being.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Vision The School Community Council aligns its work with Provincial Continuous Improvement Framework and School Division Continuous Improvement Plan. Work aligns with the provincial overarching accountability framework and focuses on related division goals and initiatives. Work aligns with provincial and division learning and well-being outcomes for students.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Vision The School Community Council is accountable, transparent and responsive in its relationship with parents and the school community. Actively engages parents and community members in matters of concern related to public education. Reflects the nature of community in which it is situated by collecting and sharing appropriate information with others. Regularly reports on its activities to parents, the school, and the community.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Key Understandings Parent and community engagement is valued One common entity at each school Focus on what matters in student learning and well-being Boards of Education are responsible and accountable for success

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Questions and Discussion What do you like about the vision for School Community Councils? What concerns or questions do you have about the vision for School Community Councils?

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Digging Deeper Role of School Community Councils Guiding Principles Constitutions Learning Improvement Plan Road Ahead

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Understand parent, student and public economic, social and health conditions and needs and their aspirations for child and youth learning and well-being and to become knowledgeable about resources and supports for the school, parents and community.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Develop and Recommend Develop and recommend a Learning Improvement Plan, jointly and in cooperation with the Principal and staff of the school, for approval to the Board of Education.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Develop and Recommend Advise and Approve Provide advice and represent the parents and community to: the Board of Education on policies, programs and educational service delivery decisions, including grade discontinuance, school closure, religious observances and language of instruction; the school on its programs and operations; other organizations, agencies and governments on the learning and well-being needs of children and youth; and, Approve fundraising activities, school fees and the Student Code of Conduct.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Develop and Recommend Advise and Approve Take Action Take action to engage parents and community, to develop shared responsibility for child and youth learning and well-being, and to fulfil initiatives assigned it within the Learning Improvement Plan.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Develop and Recommend Advise and Approve Take Action Report Report annually to the parents and community on its plans, initiatives and outcomes and on the expenditure of funds related to the operation of the School Community Council.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Role Understand Develop and Recommend Advise and Approve Take Action Report Develop Capacity Participate in opportunities to develop the capacity of the School Community Council to fulfil these responsibilities.

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Guiding Principles Representative Inclusive Respectful Trustworthy Responsive Effective Committed

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 School Community Council Constitution School Community Council Constitutions address: Vision Guiding Principles Structure and Officers Schedule of Meetings Means of Public Consultation and Communication Code of Conduct Decision-Making Processes Complaints and Concerns Procedures Evaluating Council Operations

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Learning Improvement Plan Development 1.Reviewing the School Community Profile 2.Establishing Beliefs and Creating a Vision 3.Reassessing Needs Based on the Vision 4.Developing Objectives 5.Creating an Action Plan 6.Identifying Program Supports 7.Recommending the Plan to the Board for Approval 8.Monitoring/Evaluating and Communicating Accomplishments to the School Community

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Road Ahead School Year Legislative framework established School Division policy and procedure developed School Year Election and orientation of all School Community Councils School Year Council Constitutions developed Learning Improvement Plan developed School Year Provincial evaluation of progress

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Discussion As we look ahead to establishing School Community Councils: What are we now doing to engage parents and community in support of student learning and well- being that we would want to continue? How might we take advantage of School Community Councils to enhance parent and community engagement in support of student learning and well-being?

The Changing Landscape of Rural Education Eleventh National Congress on Rural Education March , 2006 Thank you for your interest and participation! Craig Melvin Cornwall Street Regina,Sask. S4P 2K Final questions and observations… Adjourn