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TEACHERS SPEAK OUT DURING RESOLUTION DEBATE
Over the Victoria Day long weekend, more than 400 delegates from the Association’s 54 locals passionately defended their views, rallied colleagues’ support, shared their astrological signs and enjoyed the camaraderie of this annual event.
While a handful of resolutions were intensely debated, an overall sense of unity seemed to prevail. The “we’re in this together” air may be a result of the recent release of the Task Force for Teaching Excellence report.
Eight emergent political resolutions (3-50/14 through 3-57/14) were added late to the docket in response to the task force report. The resolutions, which were given top-of-the-order placement, included acknowledging the Association`s loss of confidence in Minister Jeff Johnson (3-50/14); urging the government to affirm its intention to maintain the joint professional and union structure of the ATA (3-54/14); and developing constructive responses to the recommendations of the task force and commencing a dialogue with the government (3-58/14). All save one of the emergent resolutions (3-57/14), which put forward that the ATA reject cyclical teacher evaluations, were carried unanimously. Very early in the proceedings, delegates sent a clear message to the ATA and the government.
Another resolution to be carried unanimously was related to assessment and evaluation. The resolution put forward that the ATA opposes the use of machine-scoring writing as a substitute for teacher-based assessment and evaluation of students’ written responses (3-27/14).
Several other resolutions also had a technology bent, including long-range policies supporting the use of technology in classrooms (3-14/14) and ensuring decisions regarding technology in the classroom are guided by a set of principles (3-17/14). Both carried.
One of the more lengthy debates of the weekend focused on limiting and monitoring screen time in the classroom (3-33/14). Delegates spoke passionately on both sides of this debate, including a plea by one representative who introduced himself by his astrological sign (Sagittarius, in case you were wondering). Arguments in favour of this resolution focused on the ways that technology limited creativity and student interaction. A delegate from Edmonton Public noted, “If students are stuck inside on a rainy day, they head right for their iPads instead of playing together. Messy lessons, where kids learn all kinds of things, are replaced with a colour-mixing wheel app.” Some delegates opposed the resolution as “too wishy-washy.” A Northlands local representative noted, “It’s too vague and we’re too late to the party.” Others felt that controlling screen time was a decision best left to parents. A standing vote was required, with the resolution being defeated.
Perhaps one of the defining, unifying moments was seen in the larger locals’ support of a resolution proposed by local 11 (Evergreen). Resolution 2-6/14 put forward that the ATA assist small locals with financial costs associated with attending C2 committee meetings. Delegates from small and large locals stepped forward to support the resolution. An amended version of the resolution, which articulated the degree of support, was carried.
Resolutions passed at this year’s ARA appear on pages 7–15 of the ATA News and are posted online at www.teachers.ab.ca. Resolutions become official policy that guides the Association and its members. ❚
