MLAs in Victoria have the Veitch and Loewen appeared message. quite responsive. 1 don't want No MLA, government or to see any teacher laid off,' opposition, can claim ignor• said Veitch. Loewen praised ance about the government's the Burnaby schools. cutback in education spending. Former education minister Representatives of local Eileen Dailly said that when associations met with their you are faced with a bad period respective MLAs April 2 and 3 in the economy, government in Victoria following the AGM should cut down slowly. If we decision tp take strong action were the government we would to preserve the quality of edu• maintain essential services.' cation in the province. Some Generally the delegation MLAs have agreed to meet expressed satisfaction, saying teachers in their constituency, the MLAs asked pertinent meetmgs that are now going questions and report that the forward in some parts of the visits were altogether worth- province, while. From Vancouver, six Harvey Schroeder attended teacher representatives met a meeting in Chilliwack, and, with MLAs Barnes, Brown, according to reports, while he Lauk, McCarthy, McGeer and began defensively he became Rogers, usuaUy two teacher receptive as the meeting went representatives to one_^MLA. on. He is concerned that educa• McGeer claimed the BCTF had tion get a better share of the made some 'preposterous' budget. statements and claimed that Coquitlam representatives the budgets provide for 500 met with George Kerster who more teachmg positions in Sep- listened carefufiy to their pre- tember than there are now. sentation, making notes. He McGeer felt that education has agreed to meet the delega- had come out well in the prov- tion again, incial budget with more money Kerster says that he does not for 1976 while most other want education to suffer; nor The longest AGM ever, the BCTF's 1976 Annual General Meeting was often referred to by many of 651 departments were slashed does he want local taxes to rise delegates as 'an endurance test.' Starting Sunday evening, March 28, the meet continued for the next drastically. He ignores the 140 drastically, tt-iree days and nights. Highlights included a visit from Education Minister Dr. Pat McGeer, the percent average rate increase In Nanaimo, local president elections, the Fergusson Award presentation and a special farewell to retiring BCTF staff member for car insurance to meet the^T Stan Evans. increased cost of that service; executive met with Dave a 50 percent rate increase in Stupich in Nanaimo to review the medical services asspcia- the local budget. They tion to meet the cost of that provided Stupich vdth data for service; and 160 percent rate his regular column in the local increase in B.C. ferry fares to newspaper. Stupich has indi- The government has raised 'These budgets have since 'It seems to us an important meet the cost of that service, cated support at the local level local taxes and school boards been reviewed by the depart• point to be made is thai iCe Grace McCarthy was polite, in maintaining the local don't have any choice but to ment of education budget minister has agreed the but noncommital. McCarthy budget, hold their budgets and pass on review teams and, except for decision tp increase local taxes put out the line 'the cupboard is Tom Krall says the feeling in the increase to the local rate• some minor amendments, is a provincial political bare.'Steven Rogers seems to 'Tanaimo is that tiiere will be payer,' says BCTF president have been found proper,' he decision, one that he takes full have given the delegation the no cutbacks on existing staff, Bill Broadley. says. responsibility for making. best reception, appearing The board, he says, might not The federation president 'If the department review 'The government is not more interested in education, hire as many teachers as the was commenting on a press teams had found "fat" in the covering the cost of inflation in From Burnaby, Duane board originally desired, but release April by education budgets I'm sure the minister the school service. . Berkey reports the two MLAs (Continued o& Page 8} minister Pat McGeer announc• would have capitalized on it.' ing that the basic school tax According to the February levy has been set at 32.5 mills, budgets, the provincial share an increase of six mills over of the basic education program 1975. should have been $370 million, Broadley explains, rather than The BCTF president says the $309 million allocation that predictions of teachers regard• leaves a shortfall of over ing the education budget have million. been confirmed. Broadley said the term The government is passing 'basic education program' is on roughly a $65 million tax misleading because the non- increase to local school boards, shareable portion of school Broadley says. board budgets over and above He had earlier warned the the BEFIS. essen^^^ to school government would be raising programs, the local districts' share of the The announcement that tiie basic education program 6.5 mill rate for 1976 wUl be 32.5 mills.'We were just about dead mills, or an increase of six on.' mills over last year, means When the BCTF informed that each school board must teachers around the province raise 32.5 mills from taxes some weeks ago that the local before the provincial govern- share of the basic education ment will pick up - program would probably be ing costs, raised by over six mills the With boards already statement was met with shock mitted to present and disbelief, Broadley says, the increase wili be _ School boards, he explains, to ratepayers who face an had prepared their budgets average school tax rate in- February 15 for submission to crease of about seven mills this Victoria. year. • 7"0. 1^, -.1 1 /r<

-3 The Commissioner of Teachers' Pensions has sent to all school board secretary-treasurers statements for teacher employees shov/ing .tiieir contributions and The Canadian Teachers' organizations to formulate a Heron pointed out the vast service under the Teachers' Pension Plan up to Federation took the initiative plan of action, now well under• majority of teachers continue December 31,1974. No statements were prepared for in the 'significant federal way and being closely to be a major influence in the teachers v;ho first commenced to contribute to the thrust into the activities of monitored. development of the child and Fund in 1975 or 1976. teachers,' says Mike Heron, 'Unfortunately, as time that teacher organizations con• CTF president, at the AGM. progresses more and more tinue to spend more money School board secretary-treasurers have been 'Bill C-73, the Anti-Inflation inequities of Bill C-73 are toward improving the quality requested to distribute these statements. If you do not Bill, accentuated what was coming to light. Prices are of education. receive a statement by the end of April, first enquire already known at the federal continuing to rise and govern• of your secretary-treasurer to ensure that he has dis• The BCTF is an excellent tributed the statements, then write to the Commis• level: there is no mechanism ment programs appear to be example, he said, of an for understanding or knowing the biggest offenders when it sioner of Teachers' Pensions, Parliament Buildings, organization which spends long Victoria V8V 4R5 for a copy. the problems peculiar to comes to raising prices in all hours and a large percentage education. sectors of our economy. of its budget on professional If there is any error in your statement, please advise 'There is no federal office of 'Teachers are becoming development. education — which makes more and more disgruntled as the Commissioner of Teachers' Pensions In writing. He agreed political action It's called an AGM. While resolutions were © Point of privilege: candi• the annual president's report teachers the only organized they see employers and ference was an overwhelming group in all of Canada who programs are needed. 'If It was, in fact, an endurance passed, defeated, deferred and dates for office who found their by Bill Broadley. 'good.' But most found the pro• governments curtailing wages have absolutely no one at the by hiding behind the federal society is not prepared to test. referred an underlying current names on a slate that they did Task force reports were pre• gram 'too heavy' and many federal government level who anti-inflation guidelines and actively improve the learning For three solid days and four of excitement ran through the not sign. sented as were committee re• pleaded for either another day situation then teachers must. nights, some 651 BCTF dele• large assembly room at the ports. The agenda covered can speak authoritatively on yet doing very little to bring in © Point of privilege: dele• or a less demanding agenda. their behalf,' he said. effective price controls.' And by changing the scope of gates from throughout B.C., Hyatt Regency — the elections. gates wanting program some 100 pages of reports and While exhausted delegates bargaining within this sustained by 250,(K)0 cups of Who would control the Execu• resolutions as well as special Heron said subsequent Heron said that teachers evaluation sheets handled by dutifully completed evaluation events indicated interference must do 'whatever we can to province your organization will coffee, debated 115 recom• tive Committee for the year ballot, according to recom• events such as a farewell pre• forms before leaving they were have a much greater chance to mendations and 63 resolutions, 1976-77? sentation to federation in established collective maintain the economic health mended procedure. aware the AGM had been only bargaining processes along of our country,* but, he said: implement change.' setting policy the federation The current became evident favorite, Stan Evans. the beginning of an arduous would follow during the next And another, and another. with inequities and injustices 'The days are long gone when He said teachers from all early in the sessions when an Top rating on evaluation several months of political in the application of the year. As well as debating such di• sheets went to the task force on teachers will meekly accept across Canada will be wat• unprecedented number of action .ahead. program. whatever the employer ching B.C. in the coming Debate was the order of the points of privilege were raised verse recommendations as racism film presentation. Next Turning homeward they day with education philo• corporal punishment and the was the BCTF Co-op service of He said CTF called a benevolently bestows upon months to see if legislation is by delegates and staff mem• were already laying plans for meeting with other national them.' changed. Provincial Specialist Associ• the resolution, starting with sophies clashing over the five bers. abolition of the Teacher providing coffee, tea and juice. action rallies, parent-teacher ations came in for another the observation that profes• microphones and spilling onto Awards, and resolutions Quality of debates were voted meetings to discuss the educa• round of scrutiny at the AGM. sional development can be the tables housing delegates. ® Point of privilege: an ab• ranging from the limiting of 'good' to 'fair,' balloting proce• stracted and unauthorized set tion crisis and meetings with Discussion came from used as a catch all for many Unanimity of spirit came tenure and salaries of school dures rated a solid 'very good.' school boards. Recommendation 68, as diverse policies aiid programs. through most clearly in a of minutes of the executive administrators to decreasing Candidates oral statements re• committee that had been There were scores for whom amended, that all PSA consti• 'Our entire Federation — the united voice against provincial mobility of teachers, delegates ceived a 'good' rating and re• the convention was not over tutions be examined periodic• expenditure of fees, the ac• government education budget printed and circulated also listened to addresses by ports and resolutions 'good' to throughout the meeting centre. Wednesday night at 11. They ally to ensure that each PSA is tivities going on in head office, cuts, and in approving a De• the minister and deputy 'excellent.' The printed pro• left the next day for Victoria to following democratic pro• and around the province, our claration of Basic Learning ©Point of privilege: a minister of education, the pre• grams rated 'excellent' to The tenseness was almost he has been in the past year. together, rather than tear it cedures. The examination confront their local MLAs to tangible as delegates awaited He said he would like to be policies and procedures, the Conditions Rights, Preroga• memo that had been sent to the sident of the BCSTA, 21 elec• 'good' and the program seek support for more provin• apart. should be done by the General various committees and task tives and Obligations of stu• BCSTA asking for a legal tion speeches by candidates, priority sheet 'good to excel• the outcome of the vote for the working with those whose Broadley later apologized to Secretary and staff. cial funds to uphold the quality BCTF's new president and, integrity he can respect. forces, the entire purpose of dents, teachers and school opinion regarding possible an address by incoming CTF lent.' of education in British the assembly saying he had not The recommendation was when it came, there were One delegate reprimanded meant anyone to think he was this meeting, can all ultimately trustees. teacher lay-offs. president Michael Heron and Overall rating of the con• Columbia. carried overwhelmingly, but mixed feelings. First, Broadley for his remarks, suspecting their integrity. He be related to the development not before some debate. resounding applause, then, an calling them a 'cheap shot.' said he advocates openness in of our profession,* she said. acceptance speech, and then, dealing with decision making 'You can ask for an account• Therefore she urged that PD The delegate advised ing and get one any time you programs must be co• apologies. » Broadley to say words which and for openness within the Broadley, amidst a standing would keep the federation federation. want,* Dorothy Fast, Peace ordinate, noting that BCTF ovation, started off his accept• RiVer, argued. 'I would be policy currently accom• ance speech by telling dele• ashamed to see this motion in modates the Professional De• gates he will try to maintain print.' velopment Advisory Com• the primary objectives out• Mike Campbell, Abbotsford, mittee and the Provincial lined by the federation since insisted that PSAs must be Specialist Associations, with positive constructive actions; mean so many different In announcing its budget, the 1919. accountable. The Federation, policies for both area^ very he argued, provided money for vague. Test timetable not for making invidious com• things.' department of education has He went on to lash out parisons among pupils, 'The question is,' said made no provision for the fact against the provincial govern• PSA therefore the Federation PSAs perform a vital service has a right to insist the PSAs be The new provincial testing teachers, or schools.' As a Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to that cut-backs imposed upon Dear Sir: ment's proposed cutbacks in Debate was expected on a BCSTA, the deputy minister of for many people, she said, but timetable announced by the BCTF representative I was far be master — that's all ... I local school boards at the end I do not know to whom I the education budget as well as accountable. 'Anything else is noted Uiat PSAs account for 3% late resolution calling for the education, the provincial PTA rubbish*. minister, March 12, will have a from satisfied that the minister can manage the whole lot of of March cannot be imple• should address this letter, but the department of education's general secretary of the BCTF and the elected representa• of the BCTF bu^et, receive major impact oh B.C. schools. could or would prevent such them! Impenetrability! That's mented until the beginning of page one of the March 11 habit of shoving aside import• Velma Hasiin, PSA council, services and grants equal to to address the opening session tives of the BCTF. However, said all the PSAs have a consti• Individual school results in 'invidious comparisons.' what I say!' September. Thus si] apparent Newsletter has aroused my ant eduqational issues. of each AGM regarding the af• our own permanent staff do not five times more tiian grants to reading, inath and science wiU '. . . Of all the unsatisfact• difference of 10 percent bet• concern. tution that their members local associations. Obviously, the minister Broadley commended the fairs of the federation. have this privilege. approve and said that no one be avaUable at district request. chose not to wait several hours ory people I ever met. . .' She ween school board budgets and I wish to state that I heartily federation for its 'excellent BCTF staff members are PSAs levy then* own fees, set never finished the sentence, for the provincial allocation to endorse the federal govern• The resolution, put before would object to the constitu• their own constitutions, »njoy A document titled 'The Prov• for the advice and reaction of democratic structure' and told the convention by Coquitlam hired for their expertise, per• tions being examined. at this moment a heavy crash education means in effect a 30 ment's controls. It should delegates that although the political autonomy Sim Jar to incial Learning Assessment BCTF representatives. Indeed, delegates, was referred to the spective and knowledge. Such Another delegate raised the Program A Proposal' department officials did not shook the forest from end to percent reduction in school have been done long ago. As federation must operate by the input should be available to the local associations, have full services in September. Pupil educated, professional people majority views it must also next RA. question of what was bemg BCTF services — fhiancial, pi'esented by department of• deny that the minister's timing Joe Harrison, AGM delegates in the manner examined, PSA budgets or ficials to the joint coriimittee may have been premeditated. teacher ratio will almost we should encourage such a respect minority views. The statement supporting suggested. The logical repre• secretarial, editing, printing, BCTF Representative, certainly be affected in most the resolution is as follows: PSA constitutions. yet have full political on evaluation on Friday, It is becoming increasingly Joint Committee on policy, instead of knocking it. Broadley went on to say, that sentative of BCTF staff is the clear that the minister's im• districts. Among the programs We are beginning to sound like as president elected for a Resolution 25, from the autonomy. March 12^ 1976, outlines a five- Teacher Evaluation. The BCTF AGM is addressed general secretary. Burnaby teachers, asked that a year timetable for provincial perious attitude is a major most likely to suffer are field the radical labor leaders, both second term, he would like to by representatives of the CTF, All other similar organiza• 'Thus it appears tiiatPSA s * Lewis Carroll, Through trips, alternative and rehabili• task force be struck to evaluate are capable of being at both testing. Unfortunately, com• obstacle to meaningful consul• the Looking Glass in language and in policies. be in the majority more than the provincial government, the tions carry out this praetice. mittee discussion of the tation. tation schools, curriculum Anyone who came through the structure, composition, ends of the sf^tnim simul• development and in-service the Depression knows how controls, funding and services taneously. They have full proposal was largely My dictionary defines irrelevant. education to improve instruc• much improved the present of PSAs and the PSA CouncQ. political autonomy and full 'proposal' as 'a plan set forth tion in the basic subjects, day teaching conditions are, The Executive Committee BCTF services,' she argued. for consideration.' The Two hours before submitting family life education, and pro• yet those teachers were able to had earlier defeated the 'Coordination is needed now the proposal to BCTF repre• minister must disagree. vision for the needs of excep• motion. The following came in from turn out good results. The more than ever before.' sentatives, the minister issued 'When I use a word,' Humpty tional children. same cannot be said now, when Susan Slater, Burnaby, pre• The delegates, however, dis• a press release announcing the Margaret Ennenberg, presi• sented a strong, carefully Dumpty said, 'it means just dent of the Honie and School Under these circumstances, we hear how lacking in skills agreed with the motion and timetable and the.recommeftd- what I choose it to mean — the high school and university worded statement in support of defeated it. ations outlined in the proposal.. Federation. You could Eelp by we feel it imperative that neither more nor less.' passing the message along to citizen groups concerned with pupils are, especially in The proposal states, 'Assess- 'The question is,' said Alice, parents. In the next issue of the the quality of education speak reading. ment results should be used for 'whether you can make words Newsletter we will carry re• quickly and with a united We all must pay our BCTF ports of the home and school force. We therefore urge your fees, so I feel we should all BRITISH COLUMBIA TEACHERS' FEDERATJON annual convention to be held group — have a voice in the policies. The proposed BCTF building program be undertaken at this is beginning to look like a geo• lOS - 2235 Burrard street, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 3H9 April 12, 13. 1) to become an associate Ruth Skoda, time. When the microphones member of the B.C. Home and desic dome it's gone around so had stopped waggUng with the School Federation. Colleagues: often. , weight of arguments on both 0 Q n * I want to thank the many After two years of being de• sides it was BCTF general Cn Cn Mcmbe 2) to send observers to our The evidence is mounting 54th Annual Convention. teachers who encouraged bated through the executive secretary Bob Buzza who once Editor that education in British Col• 3) to participate in Parents' me to stand for re-election committee, the RA and the again put the matter into pro• and who worked so success• AGM it was again the subject JOHN HARDY umbia is rapidly approaching a Day at the legislature. per perspective. fully to bring about my re• of loud vocalizing at the past Assistants crisis. The poor-mouthing of Further information can be election at the AGM. AGM when a late resolution His persuasions won the day. PATDENHOFF the provincial government, secured from officer oi the ANNETTE CROUCHER the militance of the teachers My sincere thanks go to from the Vancouver Second• The BCTF is to have a new federation. Room 6, 45 ary and Coquitlam Teachers' Letters to the editor must be signed by and bear the ad• and the activities of the educa• Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. all of you for your time, office building at a new loca• dress of the writer. The NewsJetter may edit letters for Associations called for the tional backlash are the major .V5T3H7. (Telephone 874-0933.) efforts and commitment to a Presenting the Learning Conditions Committee report to the AGM is Barry Jones, co-chairperson of tion as agreed to by both the brevity, clarity, legality or taste. developments contributing to moderate point of view. the LC committee. At the far left and right are George North, BCTF staff and Don Walmsley, LC co- meeting to instruct the RA and executive and the February Margaret Ennenberg chairperson and first vice-president. the executive that no building this situation. President Bill Broadley RA. Stan Eiraiis tEliJiitQ

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u Bernard Gillie had Stan Stan Evans, Gillie said, that Evans had shown the Evans taped. could look back over 50 years same dedication in the class• A good teacher, fine prin• of federation activities, start• room as he did on the Nanaimo cipal, fighter for the underdog, ing when he was a young Teachers' Association execu• sound advisor, wise counsellor, teacher in Nanaimo. tive and the BCTF staff. fearless advocate for things he When Stan first joined the In presenting him with a felt to be right, respected arbi• BCTF staff 31 years ago the framed plaque of three early trator and above all the best professional status of teachers pictiu*es of Stan as student and possible representative of the was only 'grudgingly admitted' teacher in Nanaimo, Krall teaching profession. by members of the community. echoed the inscription 'He has The occasion was a farewell 'He came to the federation served us well for his efforts presenUation to Stan Evans by at that time and was one who have brought credit to all members of the BCTF at the worked unstintingly in a man• teachers in British Columbia.' AGM. A former BCTF presi• ner that earned respect for the It was Stan's own folksy, dent. Gillie was spokesman for profession,' Gillie said. friendly, whimsical remini• B.C.'s 29,000 teachers, most of scences that lent credence to If the provincial government persists in its re• Pointing to the recommendation that the BCTF whom, at one time or another It was an occasion too for all the plaudits paid him. His gressive restraints in educational spending 'in six go on record as being opposed to the federal gov• have welcomed the services of the Nanaimo Teachers' As• memory served him well and months we will have travelled backwards in time ernment's program of wage controls, Broadley said tlie retiring assistant general sociation to honor the man who as always it endeared him to six years,' Bill Broadley BCTF President warned in high wage increases are the result of employees both attended and taught the President's address to the AGM. secretary of the federation. his audience — a province-wide trying to protect themselves from the effects of in• .-V"!** - -K O-t^^ 1 r. The farewell presentation to school in that city before audience that includes editors, Claiming that the government in its budget has flation. joining the BCTF staff. Stan was, according to his old businessmen, service club placed 'at least' a $60 million dollar increase on 'They are not the cause of the inflation we have 'By half-truth and innuendo, anti-family life edu• friend, 'Because we'd like to Tom Krall, president of the members, professional per• local taxpayers, Broadley predicted, 'If the local experienced. They are the result of it.' cation groups seek to destroy what they oppose. I, pay tribute to those things Nanaimo Teachers' Associa• sons, government officials as taxing authorities, the school boards, reject this tax He urged delegates not to confuse opposition to They exploit fears they have deliberately created in money can't buy' — like the de• tion, referring affectionately to well as his colleagues at all increase the impact on school programs in Sep• wage controls with opposition to anti-inflation pro• parents who have a genuine concern for the quality dicated service of a very Stan by his boyhood nickname levels of the educational tember will be enormous' — a 20 percent reduction grams. of their child's education,' he charged. in school programs would be a reality. special veteran of the BCTF. 'Old Muddles' told delegates spectrum. 'I am certain that we, and virtually all other Lurking behind the value schools movement was If cutbacks are distributed evenly throughout Canadians, are united in our desire to bring infla• The Canadian League of Rights, an organization to school programs an average increase in class size tion under control.' be wary of, he said. Deputy Minister of Education addresses A GM of 25 percent will occur, he said. Teachers pensions, he pointed out, are affected 'This Federation has long fought to improve the Special programs — like those for the trainable by inflation. In May teachers' pension plan deduc• quality of education in our schools. We want to pro• mentally retarded, hospital and homebound tions will increase from 6 to 6^/^ percent of salary. vide better learning environments so that children children, non-English speaking students, Indian 'If inflation is not controlled, the cost of our pension can grow into adults who do care, who do help, who children and children with visual, hearing or may jump another one-half percent to the 7 percent do respect others and who do appreciate fcNeauty. sj^ech impairments could virtually disappear. The education system can However, he says, *I do not Referring to core curricu• level before another year has elapsed,' he said. But as my comments on the budget indicate, we - The increases that l

Mc(^ueen says the board is minister. Dr. Pat McGeer who every indication is tliat tlie planning a public meeting for tional system alter discrimiiia- said he had explained the gov• Associate professor Janet board intends to maintain the April 29 and is inviting ernment position at the AGM Gaskell and teacher Heather tory practices. Williams to attend. t existing service. and wasn't prepared to budge Knapp, who were responsible 'The cutbacks in funding for Bob Howardson, Arrow on cutbacks. Dez Huba, South Cariboo, for developing the women's women's centers v/ill mean Lakes, met MLA Bill King Phylis Van Seter, Cowichan saw Alex Fraser Friday, April studies course for B.C. that the resources available for April 2 and says that King and Jerry Joyce and Ken 2. Fraser, as a former mayor secondary school students, ex• high school students in wanted the BCTF to 'broaden Douglas, Lake Cowichan had of Ashcroft made it clear that pressed mixed leaction to de• women's studies are seriously diminished, especially outside its scope* of concern to include an hour and a half meeting he understood the local mill puty education minister Walter the lower mainland area.' all the social services with Barbara Wallace on April rate problem and seemed sym• Hardwick's statement to the Dr. Gaskell, who is a mem• presently being cut back. As a 4 during which time they pathetic. 'His attitude is that AGM regarding the B C. ber of the faculty of education general impression, says explained the implications of he won't know anything until women's studies course. at UBC, stated 'students at the Howardson, it almost seemed budget cutbacks on their April 20,' says Huba. Huba also 'On the one hand, we are faculty of education are ex• other issues were more areas. They received a sympa• saw an executive assistant to very pleased the department is tremely upset about their job pressing to him. thetic hearing. Tom Waterman. He was not June Bernauer, Kitimat, too helpful according to Huba, approving the local use of the prospects for next year. They reports that she, Gail Johnson as he readily admitted that as women's studies course. How• feel that their future careers as of Terrace and Martin Wilson an engineer he did not know too ever, the department's re• teachers have been jeopar• of Smithers met with Cyril much about education. He told sponsibility to end sex discri• dized by the budget decision Shelford for one and a half Huba that if he could give mination in education has not and the Social Credit govern• hours in Victoria. They ex• Waterman data on why Ash• been fulfilled simply by the ap• ment is not concerned about plained that budget cutbacks A commitment by Premier croft and South Cariboo gener• proval of the women's studies the education of B.C. students.' would probably result in the Bill Bennett to Gene Yablonski ally needed special considera• course. Ms. Knapp, a secondary school teacher in Richmond, cutting of small industrial and Kelly Slater of Central tion, that Waterman would 'We are distressed that the said, 'teachers and students in courses, learning assistants Okanagan that if district consider using it with McGeer provincial advisory committee and the career centre (the B.C. will not be placated by the boards with special problems and Wolfe. on sex discrimination latter located at Kitimat). introduction of a women's made an appeal to government Huba says he earlier had was abruptly disbanded and Shelford sympathized with studies course when the gov• for special grants they would asked the school board to that the position of special da- their position, Bernauer ernment is launching a major be given a fair hearing and discuss the problem with them, visor to the minister on sex dis• reports, and said he would not attackagainst learning condi• consideration would be given but they declined to discuss crimination in public education like to see the small industrial tions for all students and to providing supplementary was terminated. The course courses cut because they are budget with the teachers Huba working conditions for all will operate in a vacuum un• the only such courses available grants, is reported by is trying to obtain an informal teachers in B.C.' less other parts of the educa• to students in the three com• Yablonski. meeting with the board as he munities. He also said he would Yablonski explained to the feels this is necessary. be very disappointed if the premier that the Central Huba says if the mill rate career centre, which sponsors Okanagan was a growing goes up the board can either the work experience program district and this year would be raise the local mill rate or cut was deleted because he was a final catch-up year for the teachers. He says he can see at well aware of the excellent district board. Bennett said least 30 of the present 117 opportunities being provided in other districts had the same teachers being cut. He also problem and referred to sees losing the approximately hiring practices of members of this area. Surrey, Delta and Richmond. 'We didn't know if people $99,400 supplementary grant the profession, and actions on Shelford told the delegation were ready for it or not,' says Linda Riddle of Kettle Valley the district v/as to have. Their the part of individuals and that 'we must work out a better BCTF staff member Wes met with MLA Jim Hewitt who present mill rate is approxim• groups in the school system way of financing education.' Knapp of the task force on said although the budget is set ately 33. Uiat demean others of a dif• When asked by Bernauer if the racism film presentation at the that he thought there were ferent ethnic or cultural back• government would consider Annual General Meeting. some 'discretionary' funds in ground. striking a task force into a A resounding Ovation, how• the department that might be The task force has already different method of financing ever, gave the task force its available to districts with undertaken a number of acti• education he said he would answer. As soon as the ap• special needs. He agreed to vities such as recommending bring it up. plause died, various delegates attend a public meeting at tiiat tfie BCTF support a Shelford was adamant that immediately requested that Midway, Saturday, April 10. French language television the government had no more Walt Kitley and Mary Alford, tiie presentation, 'Racism in Ron McQueen, West Van• station in Vancouver and in money for education and that Victdria, saw Lyle Kahl, B.C.,' be made available for couver, met with the West supporting a move by the the only way to get more Esquimalt, who is trying to distribution to their locals. Vancouver School Board Queen Charlotte District money would be to.increase the arrange for other Victoria Prior to the film, the task Monday, April 5 and they Teachers' Association on the sales tax another two cents. MLAs to meet with the Sooke, force gave its report which decided not to meet with Allan teaching of native Indian He told the delegation that Saanich and Victoria presi• says the group's primary aim Williams as they had already languages in the school. the Social Credit government met with him earlier in March dents. is *to strive to eliminate from had made a study of the educa• to talk al^out the same thing. Kahl told them he plans the school system discrimina• tional system in Europe and McQueen says Williams is getting more information on tion on the basis of race.' The Pursuing concerns was imp'^essed by the fact that 'very much aware' of the the matter. task force says it tries to ex• The task force is currently they seemed to manage very pose forms of racism in the problem. 'We are convinced he Kitley says he can do nothing pursuing concerns such as well with large class sizes and educational system — in text• knows what he is doing and is more but wait until KaM liaising with native Indian and stronger discipline. books that show bias, in the just going ahead in spite of the arranges the meeting. ethnic minority groups and The delegation also had a consequences.' compiling resource materials brief meeting with education that convey a better under• standing of all cultures in B.C. The 'Racism in B.C.' film presentation is another of the task force's recently com•

9. pleted activities. It focuses primarily on the plight of Chinese and East sex education courses in B.C. Indian immigrants and Cana• the Sacred Heart, Saturday, The BCTF, through its ® deteriorating standards of dian Indians. April 3, in which the BCTF was cd policies and programs, is the Basing its information on the major topic of discussion. morality main obstacle to the imple• ® downgrading of old- events occurring in B.C., the Enumerated as obstacles to film shows historic and con• mentation of value schools. fashioned virtues the implementation of value temporary issues involving That encouraging report ® lessening of public control schools are the following BCTF racism. (0 emerged from a convention over education programs: staff committees; The presentation discusses held by the B.C. Value Schools ® the trend to make schools Association at the Convent of declaration of learning and problems the German immi• working conditions; status of agents of social change grants had, particularly during women; family life and sex ® ahti-religious teaching in the war, as well as other ion, LC education; teaching profession the schools Canadians including Japanese, ® women's studies courses GQ Supporting Statement: act; Code of Ethics, (Clause 8); Italians, blacks and other &« and community schools. Only 60 people attended the minority groups who have all CM The Learning Conditions Com• mittee originally proposed Wes Knapp, BCTF staff, who convention. They heard about been subjected to racist at• 'the' and made specific re• monitored the conference said staff collegiality, the BCTF titudes. ference to 'Article 9 or 10.' the above were used, either and parental control of educa• The task force, which has tion; family life and sex educa• 0) When the Executive Commit• directly or indirectly, as con• been in existence for only a tee spelled out the areas of tributing factors to the follow• tion; status of women year, is composed of BCTF Q ing examples of deteriorating programs and the Judeo- UJ notation it inadvertently staff members Wes Knapp and omitted 'segregation.' Since it standards within our schools. Christian values; discipline Nora Grove, as well as UJ is the Declaration to which He says each of the following and academic standards; and teachers Edwin May (chair• specific reference is made, represents major concerns of a way to get value schools person), Su Riskie, Bachan UJ that should be made clear the B.C. Value Schools Asso• started and effect the educa• Buttar, oTudith Coffin, Gyan through the use of 'the' in Re• ciation: tional climate in a school Nath and Gary Onstad. commendation 37(2). © the spread of family life and district.

8 — APRIL 1976