October 5, 2004
In honour of World Teachers’ Day, the BC Liberal government is recognizing the important contribution of B.C.’s teachers and providing $625,000 for new tools to help teachers continue to improve student achievement.
“Our teachers do a phenomenal job. Each of us can remember a teacher who inspired us and made learning fun – a teacher who made a difference in our lives. I thank all teachers for their professionalism and dedication to B.C. students.” - Education Minister Tom Christensen
The BC Liberal government will invest in a series of initiatives that focus on literacy, including a new online course that will instruct teachers on the latest literacy strategies.
"I have been meeting with teachers all over the province to discuss ways we can work together to improve student achievement," said Christensen. "These new tools will provide teachers with new literacy strategies. We’re focusing on tools that will help teachers to improve student literacy, because literacy is an essential skill that our students need in order to succeed in school and in life."
The new and expanded tools for teachers include:
- Webcasting for professional growth – Live presentations will be broadcast to satellite sites around B.C., where district facilitators and participants will learn and share best practices. The first webcast on Oct. 7 will focus on literacy.
- Online literacy course – The course, developed by Simon Fraser University and Malaspina University-College, will focus on new literacy strategies for Grade 4-7 classroom teachers.
- Literacy research project – In cooperation with Simon Fraser University, the Province will look at ways to support literacy assessment and instruction for vulnerable children. The project will include training for student teachers, who will act as literacy tutors for participating students in grades 4-8.
- Maintenance and expansion of the supervision of learning program – The Province will provide additional funding for the program, which focuses on enhancing the supervisory skills of school principals and vice-principals so they can build stronger supportive relationships with teachers.
The tools for teachers help government fulfil Premier Gordon Campbell’s commitment to make B.C. the most literate location in North America by 2010. Last month, government announced $744,000 for new literacy tools for teachers, parents and students. The literacy tools include a website that outlines proven reading, writing and oral language strategies, and a kindergarten portfolio teachers can use to identify the needs of young learners.
