News Release Archive
EDUCATION AND CULTURE--EDUCATION BILL TABLED
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Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern introduced a
new Education Bill into the House of Assembly today,
providing the legislative framework for education reforms,
which were over two years in the making and shaped by
thousands of Nova Scotians.
The bill, which combines the current Education Act and
School Boards Act, is the first major overhaul of the
education legislation in 40 years.
Mr. MacEachern thanked the many Nova Scotians for their
contributions. "I personally travelled to communities across
the province, meeting with every school board at least
twice, and with 3,500 Nova Scotians on the White Paper
alone. My staff met with and considered written comments
from thousands more."
"As a result, we have a bill focused on the needs of
students, from promoting safe, orderly schools to directing
every possible dollar to the classroom," the minister said.
Partnerships and shared responsibilities are a major theme
in the bill. The bill provides for school advisory councils,
bringing all partners together to support student success
within the school. Roles and responsibilities for all
education partners, including parents, students and support
staff, are also defined, increasing local decision-making
and building accountability by defining what needs to done
in education and who is responsible for doing it.
The bill promotes equity for all students. Allister Surette,
policy advisor on Acadian and Francophone governance, said
the new bill creates the first Conseil Scolaire Acadien
Provincial. "Through provincial governance and local school
councils, the bill means better opportunities for excellence
in education for Acadian and Francophone students," Mr.
Surette said.
The province's first Council on African-Canadian Education
will also be created. The council will recommend on public
school and adult education programs and services that
promote the rights and interests of African-Nova Scotians.
The bill also strengthens the commitment to students with
special needs, to be reinforced by a new provincial special
education policy now being finalized.
The bill supports safe, orderly schools. Principals and
teachers, in consultation with parents, will have increased
authority for discipline in their schools, consistent with
the provincial discipline policy. This will be balanced with
supports for students with discipline problems, such as
providing alternative education arrangements and remedial
action for suspended students to help them return to the
classroom once the suspension ends.
As well, some of the most serious problems which occur on
school grounds are caused by people not even attending the
school, and the bill gives teachers the authority to remove
anyone not attending the school from the premises, if that
person is disturbing the school.
The bill provides for the transition to amalgamated school
boards, shifting dollars out of administration and overhead,
into the classroom. As well, school boards, like all
publicly-funded organizations, must be accountable for how
they spend tax dollars. For example, the bill requires
school boards and school councils to produce annual reports,
including information on goals, progress and results.
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Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615
trp Nov. 03, 1995