News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--EDUCATION ACT ------------------------------------------------------------ The following is a statement by Education Minister John MacEachern. The Education Act introduced in the legislature 10 days ago is all about supporting students and teachers in the classroom. "However, since its introduction, the wording of the bill has caused undue concern and confusion. We are addressing that concern and eliminating the confusion." The purpose of this bill is to improve education in Nova Scotia. It is designed to build partnerships among all Nova Scotians with an interest in education. This bill is not a power grab by the Minister of Education. This act is, in fact, a devolution of power to teachers, students and parents. This act redirects dollars and resources from administration back to the classroom. We're bringing the people who care most about education together on school advisory councils. We're giving teachers and principals the authority they need to effectively manage their classrooms and schools. And we're supporting equity for all students -- Acadians and Francophones, African Nova Scotians, and students in schools from Digby to Glace Bay to Yarmouth. That's the clear purpose of the Education Act. And I remain committed to that purpose. But I want to say up front, the language has caused concern among some Nova Scotians. We want Nova Scotians to embrace this new act, so we are clarifying the bill to eliminate any confusion. Today, officials of my department are meeting with representatives of the teachers' union. Language changes will be proposed that, we believe, address all of the substantive concerns expressed by the union. I believe teachers in Nova Scotia can and will give their wholehearted support to this legislation, once it is clarified and amended. Let me deal with the primary concerns expressed by the union. One, this bill in no way threatens current contracts or the collective bargaining process. Language asserting this fact will be added to the bill. Two, school councils are advisory bodies only. Parents will not hire or fire teachers. There will be no charter schools. Three, the existing certification process will not change. We will revert to the wording in the existing act. Professional development will also remain the same. Four, the penalty clause in the new act will apply only to people with no business on school grounds. Again, I will introduce an amendment to clarify that the penalty clause does not apply to the roles and responsibilities of teachers, principals, students or parents. Ladies and gentlemen, the purpose and principles of the bill remain intact. I know that the teachers of Nova Scotia support that purpose and those principles. However, legitimate concerns have been expressed about the wording of the proposed act. I've said all along, I'd work to address those concerns. The legislative process is working and working well, as the evolution of this legislature clearly proves. This bill will be strengthened and improved by this process, and ultimately Nova Scotia will have an act that we all, teachers, students, parents and government, can be proud of. -30- Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615 trp Nov. 14, 1995