This years convention was well thought out with something for everyone. Of particular interest were sessions on "Relational Aggression" and "The Upside of Peer Pressure -Marketing" As well, the Zoo had a mobile vehicle with a display which was a neat way to reach out. And of course, there was the usual fan-fare of kiosks and goodies. See the many pictures here. This year, ATA Local #17 and Chinooks Edge School Board subsidized two buses to bring teachers together on their trip to convention. With no placed to park and parking costs alone running at close to twenty dollars per day it is no wonder that more people are riding the bus.
Two thoughtful key note speakers added a lot of weight to this year's convention theme of measuring up. Key note Stephen Murgatroyd, shown right, pointed out short comings of Alberta's testing regime, but expressed strong hope in the provinces Minister of Education David Hancock. Key note Pasi Sahlberg, shown left, showed us what Finland world class education system is all about - a vision to empower teachers.
Murgatroyd expressed anger over the fact that over testing makes our teaching stale, rigid , and backward looking, while future students need to experience authentic learning that involves collaboration and use of global resources. He urged for an end to grade 3 provincial exams. He said there are 5 main impediments to learning now: Group Think - one size fits all solutions; measuring to the average; accountability linked to narrow performance measures; and teaching to tests. All of this takes power away from teachers when teachers need more than ever to be empowered in order to help kids makes a difference in this world.
While Pasi was not as provocative of a speaker as Murgatroyd, the speakers complemented each other. Pasi was convincing in his demonstration of how Finland education system stacks up against Canada and the World. Alberta's education structure is top down and highly mandated. Theirs is built upon pillars of learning and caring; professional teaching, a culture of trust; flexibility and creativity. Finland has about the same number of teachers as Alberta, yet has no external accountability to government for curriculum. Interesting, too, was the fact that all teachers in Finland have to have their masters degree to start out! The common vision that brought Finland's education system from mediocrity before 1970 to being one of the top education systems in the world is the vision being promoted. The vision is good schooling for every child in every school. Their vision and thier trust in teachers to develop and impliment their own curriculum continues to pays off.
