IS YOUR SCHOOL COUNCIL ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
"A School Council is established for the purpose of enhancing the quality of school programs and improving the levels of student achievement in the school"
Newfoundland and Labrador Education School Council Handbook
School Councils may, at their own discretion, advise and consult with their education partners at 3 levels:
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Your School
- advise the Principal respecting any matter relating to the school (excluding personal issues.)
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Your District
- advise the School Board respecting any matter relating to the school
- share information and ideas with other school councils
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- look beyond the needs of a particular school to share information and ideas with Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education
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Checklist to School Council Effectiveness
Participating in Planning by providing advice on:
- school's education plan (e.g. yearly goals that support core beliefs/mission/vision etc.) .....................
- program priorities (e.g. curriculum emphasis, options -- drama/music/languages, etc.) .......................
- budget allocations (e.g. resources that support education plan) ........................................................
- school policies (e.g. student policies, etc.) ........................................................................................
- inservice needs of parents and other council members (eg. prof. development workshops etc.)
- school board policies (e.g. special needs, etc.)..................................................................................
- NF & Lab Education curricula changes, regulations and projects (through NLFSC) ............
Facilitating Communication:
- involving the school community in important decisions (e.g. through forums, newsletters, surveys, community bulletin boards, etc.) ..............................................................................................
- encouraging parental involvement to enhance student learning ..........................................
- providing time for committee, regional and provincial (NLFSC) reports at council meetings ......................................................................................................
- sharing information with other school councils in your jurisdiction (e.g. Area Association).....
- networking with other school councils and provincial education organizations (through NLFSC membership, resolutions, Annual General Meeting, etc.) ................................................
Evaluating:
- school's success in meeting its education plan (e.g. does school's plan, mission and vision still reflect the needs of school community?; achievement targets -- were they supported? met? realistic?; etc.)..
- the results of special projects (e.g. literacy program, homework program, etc.).................................
- school board's success at supporting its schools ....................................................................
- provincial Government's success at supporting excellence in its public education system (through NLFSC) ....................................................................................................................
Note: examples are provided to generate ideas, of course there are many others possible
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