II. Partners in Education

Students

• Assume responsibilities and make choices about their learning and career paths, according to their level of maturity.
• Complete their homework and study assignments diligently.
• Follow the code of conduct of their school and the School Act.
• Contribute to a safe and caring climate in their school.
• Contribute to the accomplishments of their school.

Teachers

• Provide students with the instruction they need to achieve learning expectations for each grade and subject as outlined in the Alberta Programs of Study.
• Foster and encourage learning.
• Stay up-to-date on curriculum and teaching methods.
• Evaluate students and periodically report the results to students, parents and the board.
• Maintain discipline among students at school and during school-approved activities.
• Contribute to school decision making.
• May be involved in school extra-curricular activities, and with committees for curriculum, student evaluation, field testing and evaluating new courses, instructional materials and assessment materials.

Note: See section on Quality Teaching.

Principals

• Provide instructional leadership, and administer the school within the policies of the school board and with the advice of the school council.
• Maintain order and discipline in the school, on the school grounds and during board-sponsored or approved activities.
• Promote co-operation between the school and the community it serves.
• Supervise the evaluation and advancement of students.
• Evaluate teachers employed in the school.
• Ensure teaching assignments are the best possible match with teacher skills.

Parents

• Foster a positive attitude towards learning in their children.
• Encourage their children to achieve their potential at school and to be actively involved in their school.
• Make decisions regarding their children’s education, including choice of schools and programs.
• Make sure their children come to school ready to learn.
• Familiarize themselves with learning expectations for the different subjects in their children’s grade level, and with school policies and regulations.
• Maintain an ongoing communication with teachers and the school.
• Check their children’s school work to make sure assignments are completed properly, and help them develop good study habits.
• Initiate learning activities at home.
• May volunteer time to their children’s school(s); participate in field trips and other extracurricular activities, act as a classroom resource or serve on the school council.

School Councils

• Allow parents and the community to actively participate in their local school.
• May function differently from one school and jurisdiction to another. Involvement can range from minimal to active, collaborative decision making on school policies and goals.
• May advise the principal and school board on: school policies (such as discipline and fundraising), program development (such as extra-curricular activities, new programs and resources), budgets, use of achievement tests to improve student learning, and methods of reporting student progress (for example, report cards).
• Each council develops and defines its role.

The School Act requires each school to have a school council.

Community/Business

• Work with schools to create a rich learning environment, responsive to community needs.
• Contribute volunteer time and resources to school programs, extra-curricular activities and fundraising initiatives.
• Serve on school councils.
• Create true partnerships in the development of specific programs, such as work experience and study programs.