UNews - Minister of Education

Inclusive education marks a key ideological shift

trevor.kenney — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:45:55 +0000

Inclusive education is generally understood to be the practice of placing learners with special educational needs with non-disabled students.

"It is not meant to be about diagnosis and placement," emphasizes the Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Education.

"Rather, it refers to an education system where every child has access to what they need to succeed. The fundamental questions are, "how do we provide adaptation to the curriculum so teachers don't have to do it on an individual basis and how do we ensure that school boards are appropriately funded for the students they have?""

Policy makers, educators and parents have long been wrestling with the issue of how to better deliver inclusive education. In 2007, Alberta Education conducted a review of its existing practices, leading to the creation of a proposed framework for replacing the special education system with an inclusive education system.

It was an important ideological shift because until recently, there had been little or no consensus on these matters.

"Although there has always been a strong philosophical push towards students with special educational needs spending most or all of their time with non-disabled students, implementation of this practice has varied," explains Dr. Nancy Grigg of the Faculty of Education.

Support for inclusive education is strong on all fronts.

"Every teacher needs to have some understanding of how children learn and I'm not surprised that the U of L, a leader in teacher education, is moving in this direction," says Hancock.

New MEd Neuroscience program debuts

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:05:28 +0000

Brain-based neuroscience research will soon be applied in the classroom through a first-of-its-kind Master of Education program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Combining inclusive education and neuroscience principles, the new Inclusive Education and Neuroscience MEd program offers teachers the opportunity to become their school's expert on children with varying learning and behavioural challenges.

"This unique collaboration between two of the U of L's well-respected academic units brings the experience for the candidates in this program to a whole new level," says Dr. Jane O'Dea, the former dean of the Faculty of Education.

"The candidates receive the best of our Faculty's nationally-respected programming and the benefits of the cutting-edge research that has brought the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) to a position of leadership in neuroscience research in North America."

"This is a school-based initiative," adds Dr. Nancy Grigg, associate professor and program co-ordinator.

"We're putting our research directly into the classroom. Our neuroscience partners bring data to show us, conclusively, that all kids learn differently – which means we have to develop a wide variety of teaching methods in order to meet their needs. Our goal is to have a direct impact on improving how teachers can help their students."

Grigg says there is a huge level of excitement within the Faculty of Education because of the new partnership.

"Neuroscientists know how the brain works in the critical areas that define how people learn. Educators know about instruction, how schools work, what teachers need. Bringing these fields together is critical."

A key component of this area of study is recognizing how the brain develops and how experiences and genetics work together, says Dr. Bryan Kolb, a world-leading neuroscience researcher at the U of L's CCBN.

Kolb and more than 100 researchers at the CCBN have worked for more than 30 years on revolutionary treatments in brain injury, drug addiction and conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's Disease.

"Most of the body develops from a genetic blueprint, but the brain develops in response to experiences. So you are your brain," says Kolb.

"Teachers need to know about the principles of brain development in order to understand the impact these processes have on behaviours. Although this particular program is geared towards experienced teachers, down the road it would be useful to have all education students taking neuropsychology courses."

Alberta Minister of Education, Dave Hancock, says that the concept of changing the classroom environment to be more inclusive raises important questions that the U of L's new program will help to address.

"We anticipate that teachers will adapt their curriculum to differentiate instruction based on student needs, but what about students with additional needs," he asks. "How do we provide the tools to further adapt the curriculum so that teachers have a body of resources to draw on when personalizing learning?"

Sue Bengry, director of Student Services for Lethbridge School District 51 (and currently seconded by the U of L Faculty of Education) says the entire premise of the program is to take the research and apply it to teaching practices in the classroom.

"Classes are different today in that they now include an ever growing number of students with diverse skill and ability levels," says Bengry. "The challenge for teachers is to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of all students. I know from experience that teachers really want to do a great job to help students, but they've had to seek out professional development opportunities to meet their growing need."

Bengry's role is to consult with U of L program developers to insure the curriculum meets the needs of frontline educators.

"Administrators and teachers alike can now enhance their knowledge and understanding of diverse needs through this innovative program that explores current research in neuroscience and how it can improve teaching and learning in inclusive classrooms within our schools."

Groundbreaking masters program to impact classrooms

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:19:19 +0000

Brain-based neuroscience research will soon be applied in the classroom through a first-of-its-kind Master of Education program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"This is a school-based initiative," adds Dr. Nancy Grigg, associate professor and program co-ordinator.

Grigg says there is a huge level of excitement within the Faculty of Education because of the new partnership.

Kolb and more than 100 researchers at the CCBN have worked for more than 30 years on revolutionary treatments in brain injury, drug addiction and conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's Disease.

"Most of the body develops from a genetic blueprint, but the brain develops in response to experiences. So you are your brain," says Kolb.

Bengry's role is to consult with U of L program developers to insure the curriculum meets the needs of frontline educators.

September Events

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:51:29 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Soccer

Sept. 12 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 13 | Regina vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 26 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 27 | Saskatchewan vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Oct. 4 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Women's Rugby

Sept. 26 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns
5 p.m. at Stadium

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Lectures

Sept. 14 | Dave Hancock
The Alberta Minister of Education speaks about a vision for the future of education in Alberta
4:45 p.m., AH100

Sept. 14 | Art Now: Kristi Malakoff
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 16 | Art Now: Doug Scholes
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 16 | Owen G. Holmes Lectures
��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto's Ian Hacking presents The Abolition of Man
7 p.m., L1060

Sept. 17 | Discovery Lecture Series
International envoy for humanitarian efforts, professor in Global Health and author of Race Against Time, Stephen Lewis, presents Global Health: Hope or Deterioration?
7:30 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, Book signing to follow

Sept. 18 | Art Now: Allyson Mitchell
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 21 | Art Now: Ian Pedigo
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 21 | Architecture & Design Now: Barry Johns
6 p.m., C610

Sept. 22 | Lunch and Learn
Kinesiology professor, Jon Doan, presents: Is work (or other activity) causing a pain in your back?
12:05 p.m., TH241

Sept. 23 | Art Now: Brian Goeltzenleuchter
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 28 | Art Now: Tim Zuck
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 30 | Art Now: Judy Tuwaletstiwa
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 2 | Global Justice Week
Alex Neve of Amnesty International presents: Economic Insecurity, National Insecurity: Don't Lose Sight of Human Rights
7 p.m., PE250

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Performances

Sept. 22 | Music at Noon: Dale Ketcheson, classical guitar
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 29 | Music at Noon: Joni Vonkeman, French horn; Nick Sullivan, trombone; Elinor Lawson, piano
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 1-3 | Lindsay Price Double Bill
A night of light-hearted comedy featuring two works (Anne-Arky and Body Body) by playwright Lindsay Price | Nightly, 8 p.m., Matinee, 2 p.m. Oct. 3, David Spinks Theatre

Oct. 3 | Tango~Waltz~Tango
Classical explorations of two of the most sensual and elegant dances of all time
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

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Miscellaneous

Sept. 10 | Latin American Film Series
The Year My Parents Went on Vacation
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Sept. 11 | CAETL Graduate Student Orientation
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Union Ballroom B

Sept. 11 to Oct. 23 | Head Shots
Art Gallery exhibit featuring portraits by Canadian and international artists, drawn from the U of L's extensive holdings
Helen Christou Gallery

Sept. 18 to Oct. 30 | Allyson Mitchell: Ladies Sasquatch
Freestanding, figurative, sculptural works by Toronto-based artist Allyson Mitchell
U of L Main Gallery

Sept. 19 | Artwalk Guided Tours
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of campus sculpture and architecture

Sept. 19 | Culture Vulture Saturday
Sasquatch sightings and Foot Print Patters
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U of L Main Gallery

Sept. 28 to 30 | Anti-Bullying Week
Presented by the Education Undergraduate Society, addressing how to stop bullying in schools

Sept. 30 | Career Fair
Career Resource Centre hosts its annual Career Fair with over 80 organizations attending
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

Oct. 2 | 3rd Annual Chinook Symposium for Chemistry and Biochemistry
Symposium and Chinook Poster Prize competition
Registration closes Sept. 18

Hancock visit is full

trevor.kenney — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:05:43 +0000

Alberta's Minister of Education has proven to be a big draw to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge audience. Scheduled to speak Monday, Sept. 14 at the U of L, his talk has drawn a full house.

The free event, which features a hosted wine and cheese reception, filled up quickly as Dave Hancock is expected to address a vision for the future of education in Alberta.

Alberta Education is concluding province-wide discussions with education stakeholders through its "Inspiring Education" initiative. Hancock may be able to use this valuable information to benchmark a vision for the future of education in the province.

"Our Inspiring Education dialogue is about how education in Alberta can help tomorrow's students find their passions and prepare for success in the future," Hancock says.

"This initiative will heighten public appreciation for education and build our understanding of what it will mean to be an educated Albertan 20 years from now. It will result in a new vision for education and a policy framework that will guide the Ministry and inform legislation."

The process has involved Albertans in extensive discussions about education as a foundation for the future societal and economic success of the province.

The discussions have focused on five key values - opportunity, fairness, citizenship, choice and diversity - which are critical to the success of Alberta's education system.

Dr. Jane O'Dea, the Dean of the U of L Faculty of Education, is a member of the steering committee.

UNews - Minister of Education

Inclusive education marks a key ideological shift

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New MEd Neuroscience program debuts

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Groundbreaking masters program to impact classrooms

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September Events

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Hancock visit is full

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