Features

Last winter, on the recommendation of a parent, I took my rather large and demanding class to the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to take part in its Lest We Forget project.

In The Last Lecture, college professor Randy Pausch writes that for him the “number one goal [of education] was this: I wanted to help students learn how to judge themselves . . . In the end, educators best serve students by helping them be more self-reflective.”

Ontario teachers who are concerned about the adverse effects of large-scale assessments are not alone. Opposition to large-scale testing by teacher organizations and academics is growing around the world.

ETFO commissioned Environics to survey members in November. Environics also polled Ontario parents and the public for the Ontario Teachers’ Federation. EQAO testing was one of many topics covered in focus groups that Stratcom conducted for the Elementary Teachers of Toronto Local.

ETFO launched its campaign against province wide testing at the Representative Council meeting in February.

Representative Council brings together local presidents and leaders from around the province.

Back at school Jenny presented the idea of creating a school drum to the school staff. The timing could not have been better. ETFO had selected Sioux Mountain Public School to participate in the “Danny Schools” project. It provided funds and teacher release time to help schools develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships in the school community and ultimately improve student learning.

It’s the third Wednesday of the month almost 4 p.m. After a busy day at work teachers are heading out the door, to pursue their own learning. They converge at Spruce Glen Public School in Huntsville to share the fine art of teaching writing.

Students are ready for it and teachers are looking forward to it. Full-day everyday kindergarten boost in learning, ETFO members who teach kindergarten say. And it will allow teachers to give their students the full benefit of their knowledge and skills.

The Ontario EcoSchools program is one of the most effective programs for addressing ETFO’s priority of care and protection of the environment.