2008EDU0016-000113
Jan. 28, 2008
VANCOUVER – Parents of B.C. students in kindergarten through Grade 12 can now access educational resources online through LearnNow BC, a partnership between the Province and the Virtual School Society, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.
“Children whose parents are involved in their learning are often more successful in school,” said Bond. “The new Parent Information Network will make it easier than ever for parents to participate in their child’s school community, no matter where they live in B.C.”
The Parent Information Network (PIN) is a one-stop online resource for parents looking for up-to-date information relevant to their child’s learning and experiences at school. The information component of the site contains several topics, including:
- A Learning Support section that includes information on tutoring, literacy and supports for ESL and students with special needs in B.C.
- A Parent Involvement section that outlines the various ways parents can participate in their child’s school community.
- A Health and Safety section that includes information about daily physical activity and healthy eating guidelines in B.C. schools, codes of conduct, and information on seismic upgrades to schools in B.C.
- A section on Graduation that outlines the requirements for graduation from the B.C. school system and includes information about post-secondary education and career planning.
- A Learning Options section that highlights the types of schools and learning methods available in B.C.
The site, which was built in consultation with B.C. parents and the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, also includes information on early learning and adult education programs available for B.C.’s lifelong learners. The interactive component of the site features video clips and provides a forum to facilitate communication between parents around the province. The network allows parents to create and attend virtual meetings, so more parents can get involved in the B.C. education system while reducing the amount of travel necessary and, in turn, helping to create a greener B.C. Parents and guardians can access the Parent Information Network through the LearnNow BC website at www.learnnowbc.ca.
“Every parent wants what’s best for their child, and the technologies we've used for LearnNow BC are helping to reach children in ways that best help them learn,” said Gordon Milne, president of the Virtual School Society. “Through the new Parent Information Network, we’re now able to help parents support their children to achieve success in their learning – and we welcome input from parents around the province on ways to improve the site.”
“Parents are an important education partner, and we are committed to giving them a greater voice in the B.C. education system,” said Bond. “The Parent Information Network provides vital information that will help unite parents in an interactive, provincial dialogue.”
The Parent Information Network fulfils a throne speech commitment to provide parents with up-to-date information on programs and research that can help their children excel in school.
The Ministry of Education and Virtual School Society launched the Parent Information Network in Vancouver today, as part of the second annual Parent Congress, where more than 130 parents from around the province shared their vision for the future of education. The Parent Congress helps fulfil government’s throne speech commitment to communicate directly with B.C.’s education partners and seek their ideas for positive change. The Parent Congress complements conversations at the Learning Roundtable, the Teacher Congress and Student Congress.
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008EDU0016-000113.htm
