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