Appointments announced to review ISSP/Pathways and Teacher Allocation Models

Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced today that two commissions have been established to review both the Teacher Allocation Model and ISSP (Individualized Student Support Plan)/Pathways Model. The reviews are the result of consultations with people who work and volunteer daily in the education system and the recognition by government that the current models are no longer effectively serving the needs of students and teachers.

"Declining enrolment and a shift from rural to urban areas make it necessary to review the way teachers are allocated throughout the system. In addition, government heard clearly from educators and administrators that the process associated with the ISSP/Pathways Model is burdensome and needs to be improved for the benefit of both students and teachers," said Minister Burke. "Funding to conduct a review of the Teacher Allocation Model and the ISSP/Pathways Model was allocated as part of Budget 2006 and I am pleased to report today that the terms of reference have been determined and we have four outstanding individuals who will begin this very important work immediately."

Brian Shortall, long-time educator and administrator and current CEO and executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association has accepted the role of commissioner of the Teacher Allocation Model review. Mr. Shortall will be assisted by Noreen Greene-Fraize as vice-commissioner. Ms. Greene-Fraize is a recently retired teacher with the Eastern School District.

The review of the ISSP/Pathways Model will be undertaken by Bernice Langdon as commissioner and Bill Somerton as vice-commissioner. Ms. Langdon is a former guidance counselor in the K-12 system. Mr. Somerton has extensive knowledge in the area of case management.

"Each of these individuals brings hands-on experience and knowledge of the education system and case management practices which are essential qualities to conduct an independent and comprehensive assessment of both the Teacher Allocation Model and the ISSP/Pathways Model," said Minister Burke.

The review of the Teacher Allocation Model will consider among other things, specific issues such as class size, health and physical education initiatives, fine arts programming, improvements in career/guidance counseling, increasing the high school graduation rate and providing appropriate programming options for all students, in both rural and urban areas of the province and in both large and small schools.

The review of the ISSP/Pathways Model will consider the challenges of special education programming using the current model, workload and volume of paperwork, the role of parents, managers and teachers, and will seek to streamline the process to ensure it is efficient, while continuing to provide a high level of service to students.

Both commissions will consult with people across the education system and relevant organizations such as teachers, parents, support staff, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association and the Federation of School Councils.

The commissions will bring forward recommendations to government for consideration early in the new year.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

Brian Shortall
Mr. Shortall has an extensive background in education and is currently the CEO and executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association. He has served the province�s education system as a teacher, principal and as CEO and director of education of the former Avalon East and Roman Catholic School Districts. Mr. Shortall has many published works and has participated in various national and international forums, conferences and seminars.

Noreen Greene-Fraize
Ms. Greene-Fraize is a recently retired educator who has taught music education in several schools in the Eastern School District. Her last position was as choral music specialist at Holy Trinity Elementary. Ms. Greene-Fraize is also past president of the Provincial Music Special Interest Council of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association and was granted a Privy Council appointment to the post of member of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Bernice Langdon
Ms. Langdon completed her masters of education (educational psychology) at Memorial University and worked for over 20 years as a guidance counselor at Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John�s. As such, Ms. Langdon has worked extensively with the ISSP/Pathways Model and has an intimate knowledge of the day to day challenges associated with the process.

Bill Somerton
Mr. Somerton is a case management supervisor with Correctional Service Canada. With over 16 years experience in this area, Mr. Somerton will bring invaluable knowledge to the ISSP review with regards to case management, specifically in terms of effectively developing and managing individualized student plans.

2006 08 17                           10:05 a.m.