Anti-bullying legislation in Alberta doesn't exist, yet.

MLA Heather Forsyth, introduced Bill 206 which is proposed legislation which has passed first reading in the house. It is said to entail banning weapons and drug items in school or on school properties or at school activities. Here is more, an excerpt from an Edmonton Journal article called, Anti-bullying initiative panned, "The proposed legislation features a clause which would legally ban bullying, both in schools and online--even if students aren't using school computers to target others."

I like it. But apparently some others don't. Near the end of the article a person is quoted as saying, "If the government is committed to combating bullying and violence, it should be focusing on education programs". You know, education programs have been going for several years now. And guess what, bullying still occurs! Knowing there is a consequence to bullying should dampen activities related to bullying. So I'm for it and I'll bet most parents are too.
Some academics say it will create more paperwork. Well, what about the student being bullied? Do the paperwork, counsel the student and get the school police liaison officer involved. Don't forget to press charges against the bullies. If you don't, they will just keep doing it - because they got away with it. Don't let that happen. Police in Alberta are now charging bullying students with assault. Schools are suspending, and considering expelling, students for assaulting other students. Good. It's time for the slap on the wrist to stop and punishment to get serious.

We are lucky here though. Schools have an anti-bullying message for all students at the beginning of the school year and anti-bullying messages are visible through the use of posters and talks during the school year. Not all provinces or states are so lucky. Here is just one article, from Australia, which show a greater bullying problem there. A quote, "The NSW Government yesterday acknowledged cyber bullying was spiraling out of control by calling a crisis conference of experts to debate ways of making children safer. Child psychologists, academics and teachers would be invited to the conference in early November".

In the US, anti-bullying laws have been passed in many states since 2001. See this PDF file for more. Here is an actual study and breakdown for 18 states as a PDF file (add the .pdf extension when saving it).

At least our government is trying to do something about it here in Alberta. There has been a lot of reaction in the past, but now is the time for pro-action.

Happy learning...

Cheers - Mike

Alberta Grade 12 Math and Science exams are to be multiple choice, effective immediately.

According to a quote by the Minister in the CBC article referenced below, "That shortens the exam period by two and a half days," Hancock said. "It gives more instructional time in the school, it reduces exam anxiety and also reduces the need to draw teachers out of the school at that particular period of time to do marking."

Actually it may increase anxiety because students knew that the A and B portions of an exam would be in the morning and afternoon on the same day and now there will be two different exams in one day. But, perhaps not, knowing the exams will be over with sooner.

To see the complete article, please click on this link.

Cheers - Mike

School Visit for Parent info night - Transitioning Junior High Grade 9 to High School Grade 10.

The session was quite informative. The principal opened the session and several speakers followed. The emphasis was on the student and helping the student to achieve success.

It was explained how the parents, teachers and student contribute together for the good of the student.

There will be more as the days go past.

Cheers - Mike

Link: http://www.onlinedegree.net

From the time a child is old enough to attend school, all the parents want is for them to do well and enjoy at least a moderate amount of success. Some parents are more involved in their kids' education than others, preferring to homeschool them rather than send them to traditional schools. Others though, take a backseat and allow the children's teachers to do their job. But do you really know what you can do as a parent to help your child blossom into the best possible student he or she could be? Read on to find out:

• Encourage without being pushy: There's a difference between encouragement and pushiness, but it’s such a fine line that most parents have trouble distinguishing between the two. When you're a pushy parent, you tend to force your children to excel at academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. In your book, they must stand first or they’re no good at all. On the other hand, when you encourage your children, you are telling them that they can do better without putting any pressure on them to perform. Your kids know that you love them, no matter what.
• Support without taking to task: When things go wrong – when your child fails a test or plays a lousy game – don't admonish them, especially in front of their peers and siblings. Instead, talk to them and find out what went wrong and why they failed. Support them without being judgmental and encourage them to do what it takes to get through the next time.
• Show interest without interfering: I’ve known my share of parents who interfere in every aspect of the classroom. They don't give teachers the autonomy they need to do their job effectively. And when this happens, their children are the ones who are most affected. For one, they are embarrassed by their parent's intrusion into the classroom and the ridicule they face from their friends as a result. And for another, they withdraw into a shell and become secretive because they resent their parents' interference in their activities. As a parent, you must be interested in your children's activities without causing them interference or embarrassment.
• Let them choose their own path: Most parents make the mistake of thrusting their dreams on their children, especially the ones that were unfulfilled and that fell by the wayside. Remember that your kids are individuals first and your children next. So find out what interests them and encourage them to go ahead with those activities instead of pushing them towards what you think is best for them.

When parents play a supporting role in their children's education, they allow their kids to blossom into responsible, capable and knowledgeable adults.

By-line:

This guest article was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of degree online. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson83@yahoo.com

How do we start this topic. There is no beginning and there is no end. So, I'll start somewhere in the middle.

The school year is starting again and so are the bullies. Whether showing off or acting out, there is no room for it. However, it is a fact of school life. How you deal with it is the subject of this post.

I don't normally link to web pages that have language which includes swear words. However, the following post is so powerful about being bullied that I include it. Please be warned.
Here is an article called, I had Death Threats in High School, by Chris Pirillo, which is about being bullied in high school. Read the comments too.
Here is another entry from a different perspective called, What Is Worse - a Sexual Predator or a Bully?
Here is a quote from that article, "Are you being bullied? Don’t just sit there and take it - report it! Nobody will think you are a wimp or a baby. Go to your parents, a teacher, your boss, or an adult you trust that would do the right thing. If you know of someone who is being bullied, don’t assume that it’s all in good fun or the person can take care of themselves. You just might be wrong.".

Here is a link to a very good page from Edmonton Mixed Martial Arts called, How To Defeat A Bully. The following excerpt is slightly out of context because you need to see the rest of the article for its fit. However, how not to become a victim is the premise in the article and this is just one item mentioned.
"What is the first line of defence? Self-Confidence! Here’s why. Bullies choose their victims much like a criminal would choose their victim; they go for the easy and obvious target. So if your child looks like a kid who will get bullied, guess what, they’re going to get bullied. On the other hand if your child radiates self-confidence they are less likely to be a victim, it’s almost that simple!" There is more of course so please have a read of the article.

Whatever you do, don't get mad or angry, become afraid or ignore it. You lose control of the situation if you do. Being afraid usually means pain or abuse, whether physical or mental trauma, has happened before. The victim didn't know how to deal with it. People don't stop learning. Learn to overcome fear, through training by way of contact sports, strength training, martial arts or other training which teaches discipline, movement and self-confidence. Gaining self-confidence through whatever means you choose, is the key to not being a victim.

There are no guarantees of course, because it all boils down to YOU. Don't have the victim attitude. Instead, have a survivor attitude.

Personal references:
Dealing with some aspects of Bullying in School
Don't be the Victim
Fight training for Students

I hope you have a great and safe school year.

Learning counts...

Cheers - Mike