Roles and Responsibilities in Education: A Position Paper.

Overview & Synopsis

The Alberta Minster of Education recently announced a major education restructuring plan. Two components of the plan have a significant impact on the roles and responsibilities of various members of the education community--school-based management and school councils. This document contains position statements concerning the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in education. The position statements were derived from the School Act and related regulations and provincial policies and guidelines; the provincial government's school restructuring plan and Alberta Education's Three-Year Business Plan; and the results of a 1994 public-consultation process. The paper is based on the following assumptions: (1) all members of a society have a responsibility to contribute to the education of young people; (2) all roles and responsibilities in education are interrelated; (3) the clarification of roles and responsibilities will strengthen relationships and consequently will improve the quality of education; and (4) positive attitudes and goodwill are as important as legislative and regulatory controls. Following the introduction and background, the document contains 14 key premises and definitions. Roles and responsibilities are then outlined for students, parents, school councils, school boards, superintendents, principals, teachers, school and school-jurisdiction staff, the community, and Alberta Education. One figure and an appendix that summarizes the primary and contributory roles for education partners are included. (LMI)