A pilot program will see two professional development days a month at 37 anglophone schools in New Brunswick, starting this September. Education and Early Childhood Education Minister Claire Johnson made the announcement Friday morning at Harbour View High School in Saint John, one of the schools included in the pilot. All grades at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are represented in the plan. Johnson said the professional learning days would be held on Fridays. “I’m really pushing for a predictable schedule,” Johnson told reporters. “Because that’s what’s going to be the least disruptive for families. And we know that’s another piece of this puzzle. Families need to get on board with this.” Johnson said the goals of the pilot program are to improve literacy and numeracy scores, along with chronic absenteeism. “There’s a lot of good data and good research that shows there’s a correlation between more professional learning and better test results,” she said. The province said school districts are collaborating with local organizations to identify child-care and recreation options for families on those days. “Engagement with early childhood centres is certainly part of that,” said Johnson. “For the older learners, I see an opportunity. I see an opportunity for self-directed learning.” The New Brunswick Teachers’ Association asked for the pilot program to be implemented. “Having the time to be able to plan and do your job well has been lacking,” said NBTA president Peter Lagacy to reporters. “With complex classrooms and the need for collaboration amongst allied health professionals and (educational assistants) throughout the school day is super important. We do believe it will help with retention.” Participating schools will have a revised calendar that includes up to 10 professional training days. “This is going to be heavily evaluated,” said Johnson. “That’s one of the purposes of this pilot.” Schools participating in the pilot program include: Anglophone School District West • Bath Community School • Bristol Elementary School • Carleton North High School • Florenceville Middle School • Florenceville Elementary School • Centreville Community School Anglophone North School District • Napan Elementary School • Nelson Rural School • King Street Elementary School • Dr. Losier Middle School • James M. Hill High School • Parkwood Heights Elementary School • Terry Fox Elementary School • Superior Middle School • Bathurst High School • Miramichi Rural School Anglophone South School District • Sir James Dunn Academy • Vincent Massey Elementary • Harbour View High School • Saint John High School • St. Malachy’s Memorial High School • Simonds High School • Fairvale Elementary School • Rothesay High School • Kennebecasis Valley High School • Quispamsis Middle School Anglophone East School District • Harrison Trimble High School • Queen Elizabeth School • Beaverbrook School • Magnetic Hill School • Birchmount School • Maplehurst School • Northrop Frye School • Havelock School • Petitcodiac Regional School • Salisbury Elementary School • Salisbury Regional School For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
