And the Winner Is …
Byrne Creek Community Secondary School, in Burnaby, British Columbia, has been selected as the winner of Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award. This award recognizes schools that move beyond a narrow focus on academic achievement to take action for the whole child.
Byrne Creek educates a culturally diverse group of 1,250 students in grades 8–12. The area has a high population of immigrant families, and more than 60 percent of students come from homes in which English is not the primary language spoken. The building's design encourages a sense of belonging through its Center for Dialogue modeled on the United Nations; its large open spaces for community gatherings; its open hallways; and its bright, natural light.
In response to the diverse set of learners, teachers at the school strive to master personalization and differentiated instruction. Staff members work closely with at-risk students through the Village of Attachment, a group that forms partnerships with families and community members to create a web of support around their most vulnerable students.
Byrne Creek has cultivated partnerships to support a holistic approach to students' health needs as well. The British Columbia Agricultural Society provides breakfast, lunch, and after-school programs that feature fresh fruit and vegetables; a community outreach program supplies fresh bread, dairy products, and produce to families in the community. The school also offers a comprehensive program of extracurricular and intramural athletics for students as well as many counseling and social services.
For more information about the award, visit www.ascd.org/programs/The-Whole-Child/Vision-in-Action.aspx.
ASCD Releases Its 2012 Legislative Agenda
ASCD's 2012 Legislative Agenda, which outlines the association's public policy priorities for the year, calls for whole child–based education reforms. The agenda outlines 10 recommendations for Congress. Highlights include
- Requiring states to align accountability, professional evaluation, and reporting systems to include all core academic subjects.
- Requiring multiple measures of evaluation to determine student proficiency, teacher effectiveness, and school performance.
- Establishing an accountability system that provides differentiated support on the basis of circumstances and the needs of each school and district.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of school leaders and educators through ongoing professional learning to address students' evolving needs.
ASCD's legislative agenda is developed by its legislative committee, a diverse cross-section of ASCD members representing the entire spectrum of K–12 educators. The agenda is available at www.ascd.org/legislativeagenda.
Attention ASCD Members!
In early May 2012, ASCD members will be asked to vote on a set of proposed changes to ASCD's constitution. Go to www.ascd.org/governance to read a letter from President Paul Healey and view the proposed changes.
