Discussion

What questions do you plan to ask MLA candidates in your area? What are your concerns about public schools in your area? Please share your thoughts using the comment field below.

Here are a few questions we have come up with.

General

Historically, each time a new government is elected, public education is one of the first areas politicians where make changes. Political parties have different ideas about the role of public education in our society.

• What do see as government’s primary responsibility with respect to public education?
• In general, what is your party’s education platform?
• What role do MLAs have in supporting public schools?
• What will you do to protect and enhance public education?

Funding

Often, parents get involved in significant fundraising activities to assist their children’s schools. In many instances, the funds raised go to support core educational expenses.

• In your view is parent fundraising necessary?

In some school districts, corporate sponsorships have been a source of money for cash strapped schools.

• What is your opinion of advertising and corporate sponsorships in schools?
• What are your thoughts on Direct Access Gaming Grants?
• Why must Parent Advisory Councils apply for this funding when all schools are eligible to receive it?

Many people believe that elementary students benefit from access to safe playgrounds. The provincial government established a temporary grant program through Community Gaming Grants. In the first year of this program, the Minister of Education’s home riding received 11 of the 96 playground grants.

• What would you do to ensure that well-maintained and safe playgrounds are available to all children in BC?

Safety

There are approximately 11,000 classes in BC with 4 or more students with special needs and over 3,000 classes with more than the recommended 30 student limit.

• What is your opinion on class sizes? If elected, how will your party ensure that class size and composition allow all students to thrive?

While governments always say student safety is a priority, the work to ensure all BC students are spending their days in seismically safe schools is far behind the the previously public schedule.

• What would you do to ensure that schools are as safe as we can make them?

The public is becoming more aware of health risks associated with the use of toxic chemicals and materials. Many employers have taken steps to ensure workplaces are free from toxins found in things like asbestos, lead piping, pesticides, paint and cleaning products.

• If elected what will you do to reduce or eliminate students’ exposure to harmful toxins in public schools?

Equal Access

Well-stocked and accessible school libraries are a key factor in ensuring all children have opportunities to read and learn. Yet, over the past few years in many districts, school libraries have been forced to reduce their teacher-librarian time as well as the hours during the day that the library is open.

• How will you ensure that all children in BC have access to their school libraries and teacher librarians?

Curriculum

In 2005, the government made changes that required students to pass mandatory, standardized tests in grade 10 (in addition to pre-existing test for grades 11 and 12). Some people believe these tests are a useful ‘quality control’ measure, others think they introduce another obstacle to student success, focusing class time on studying for tests rather than other, more enriched learning activities.

• What is your view on standardized tests? Do these tests serve our students?

Equity

Studies on graduation rates have shown that, as a society, we are failing to meet the needs of First Nations and aboriginal students.

• If elected, how will you improve the educational outcomes for these students?

Canada is actively recruiting immigrants. Once here, new immigrants often do not have access to the services needed to settle successfully.

• What will you do to ensure that schools meet the needs of children who have come from other countries? How do you think schools can assist with the successful settlement of children in Canada?

For the fifth year in a row BC has recorded the highest child poverty rate in Canada. One in every four children live below the poverty line. The Chief Public Health Officer of Canada has commented that children who live in low income families score lower on school readiness indicators.

• If elected what will you and your party do to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged students and their families?

Experts tell us that early intervention greatly assists children with special needs and yet many school districts are reporting long wait lists for educational testing.

• Do you think we are presently meeting the needs of children with special education requirements?

• If elected, what would you do to ensure the needs of each child are met in our schools?

Parent-run Organizations

• In your view, what is the best role for parents in public education?

• Do you think Parent Advisory Councils are an effective way for parents to be involved in schools?

A few years ago, the BC government legislated the creation of School Planning Councils (SPCs) that require the participation of 3 parents at each school.

• In your view, how effective are SPCs?

Over the past eight years, the provincial government has increased funding to the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. Some people estimate that 2006 – 2007 alone BCCPAC has received almost 2 million dollars over from the Ministry of Education.

• Do you think this is an effective way to spend public education dollars?