More than 225 parent delegates from school councils across Alberta converged on Edmonton from April 26 to 28 for the Alberta School Councils’ Association (ASCA) Annual Conference/AGM. Notably, the event also celebrated the Association’s 95th anniversary, having been focused on promoting parent voice in education since 1929!
This gathering provided a platform for attendees, including trustees, principals and superintendents, to engage with keynote and breakout speakers, with a keen focus on enhancing school council operations, supporting students and families, and exchanging knowledge.
An integral aspect of the conference was the collective exploration of the concept of “family-centric” schooling, projecting ideal K–12 environments a decade ahead. The responses to prompts about the future of family-centric schooling and the attributes of such schools painted a vivid picture of educational environments deeply rooted in community, collaboration and inclusivity. Participants envisioned these institutions as social hubs where generations converge to learn, share and grow, emphasizing the importance of fostering comfort, openness and ownership among parents and students alike.
Central themes emerging from the discussions included the promotion of student-led initiatives, community involvement and transparent communication to ensure that every family feels valued and welcomed. Partnerships, intergenerational interactions and holistic support emerged as essential components, with calls for utilizing parental expertise, establishing dedicated family engagement roles and prioritizing emotional well-being alongside academic achievement.
The vision for family-centric schooling underscores empowerment, collaboration and inclusivity, envisioning active involvement and support for all community members in their educational journey. This shared commitment seeks to cultivate nurturing environments where students thrive academically, socially and emotionally, both now and in the future.
The event culminated with the ASCA AGM on April 28, where representatives from 157 ASCA member school councils convened. During the 11.5 hour AGM, delegates discussed and adopted advocacy resolutions, ultimately adopting 20 of 21 as ASCA advocacy policy. These policies, along with ones adopted at previous ASCA AGMs, will serve as guiding principles for ASCA’s endeavors toward positive educational reforms benefiting all Alberta students.
The ASCA Annual Conference/AGM served as a springboard for envisioning and working toward a system of education in Alberta that values and prioritizes the engagement of school councils, parents and families. Most importantly, it underscored the value and need for parent voice in shaping educational policies and practices. The event fostered collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing the significance of community involvement, transparent communication and holistic support. These elements are essential in realizing the shared vision of empowering students and families throughout their educational journey.
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