Blog Entries

Sir Ken Robinson, March 2011, Learning Without Frontiers

rdeadman — 2012-02-21T07:27:09-04:00

CBC Radio interview on Report Cards with Dr. Joel Westheimer

rdeadman — 2012-02-14T11:30:21-04:00

The report cards are in, but what do they mean? Dr. Joel Westheimer, who recently spoke at Lady Evelyn, explains on CBC Morning (radio) why report cards have become almost unintelligable .

RSA talk by Sir Ken Robinson - Changing Education Paradigms

rdeadman — 2011-01-10T23:33:08-04:00

There is an animated version of a talk entitled "Changing Education Paradigms" , adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA's Benjamin Franklin award

Ottawa Parent's Eduction Network questionaire available

rdeadman — 2010-10-13T11:50:40-04:00

The " Ottawa Parent's Eduction Network " has sent a questionaire to all candidates. Some responses are available now .

Ontario Teachers want to halt standardized testing

rdeadman — 2010-08-17T12:45:56-04:00

CBC News is reporting that the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is requesting a two-year moratorium on the elementary standardized tests to allow for public consultation.

From the article:

Leading U.S. scholar does U-turn on standardized testing

rdeadman — 2010-03-03T10:01:02-04:00

A leading U.S. educator who was at the forefront of pushing for standardized testing, charter schools and free markets, has changed her mind rather radically.

Trustees vote to preserve and strengthen Alternative program

rdeadman — 2010-02-24T12:04:49-04:00

In a marathon board meeting that stretched from 6:00 P.M. until after 10:00, the trustees of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board have voted to preserve and strengthen the Alternative program and work to make its practices more widely available.

ASAC enables parents to provide video testimonials about why the Alternative Program should be saved

rdeadman — 2009-09-28T12:11:02-04:00

We keep getting asked by parents, "What can we do?" There will be a lot to do, but here is a start.

Board submits framework report for the Alternative Program Review

rdeadman — 2009-06-09T10:27:05-04:00

At the Education Committee meeting on June 16th , the board will be reviewing board staff's report outlining the terms of reference for the upcoming Alternative Program Review.

2009 Yead End Report now available

rdeadman — 2009-06-04T07:35:57-04:00

ASAC's annual Year End Report to the board's Education Committee is now available. This year the report highlights the progress and set-backs the program has had and outlines the recommendations for the upcoming Alternative Program Review.

ASAC formally objects to Intermediate Reveiw Consultation Process

rdeadman — 2009-06-04T07:32:00-04:00

ASAC agreed, at its last meeting, to formally object to the consultation and communication process put in place for the recently approved Intermediate Review.

Lisgar Lectures: No Child Left Thinking

rdeadman — 2009-03-12T23:08:46-04:00

No Child Left Thinking: Testing, "Accountability," and the threat to Canadian democracy

Guest Speaker: Dr. Joel Westheimer

Recent changes in school policies have had dramatic effects on what is and isn't taught in Canadian schools.

Toronto Star articles critical of Homework at the Primary Grades

rdeadman — 2008-09-03T09:15:04-04:00

Two recent articles in the Toronto Star look at homework at the primary level.

From an article in the Toronto Star entitled " Barrie school bans 'unfair' homework ":

2008 ASAC Year End Report Available

rdeadman — 2008-06-12T07:01:40-04:00

The 2008 Year End Report to the board's Education Committee is now available. This will be officially presented to the board by Robin and Richard on Wednesday June 18th at the June Education Committee meeting.

Toronto School Board proposed cuts in homework

rdeadman — 2008-04-01T21:20:47-04:00

The Toronto School Board is proposing cuts in homework that would eliminate homework during holidays and school breaks as well as for kindergarten students and would limit the amounts given at other grade levels.