What is a Provincial Model School? Education Minister Shirley Bond wants to create such schools as early as September 2007, touting them as a response to parent demands for more choice and a way to demonstrate innovative new ways of teaching challenging students. But Bond’s proposed new school model has drawn widespread controversy, with complaints of a return to segregation, a radical shift to U.S.-style education models and/or an excuse to duck failures in public education.

Come out tonight to learn more!

WHEN: Today, Wednesday, May 2, 2007, starting at 7:30 pm
WHERE: Vancouver Public Library, Peter Keye Room (downstairs) The meeting is hosted by an ad hoc group of Vancouver friends of public education. An expert panel will explore various sides and lead off an open Q&A discussion, moderated by former Vancouver School Board Chair Adrienne Montani:

Panelists:
Carol Simpson, parent of two sons on the autism spectrum, will discuss her family’s trials in the public system and why she gave up on inclusion
Nancy Perry, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, UBC, will discuss inclusion and what’s missing in the public system
Dan Laitch, Assistant professor, Faculty of Education, SFU, will discuss implications of the proposed new governance model
Charlie Naylor, a teacher and education researcher who specializes in special ed and inclusion, will offer a teachers’ perspective

Please join us in a search for better understanding of how best to serve challenging students and build a strong and healthy public education system for all.

For more information call: 604 876-4123 or 604 874-1416 or visit: http://www.friendsofpubliceducation.blogspot.com/