News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--EDUCATION ACT
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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.
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Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615
trp Nov. 14, 1995