FAQ’s
- What is the goal of this initiative?
- How were the particular learning options chosen?
- Do we have to do all of the learning options?
- Who determines what learning options will be available?
- How does a district and local union group apply for the funds?
- Who can deliver the learning options?
- What is the funding intended to cover?
- How is the curriculum determined for each of the options?
- What information or materials will we receive for each of the learning options?
- Are employees paid to attend the training sessions?
- Do employees have to attend?
- What does the “delivery cost” represent?
- Rather than doing the stated learning options, can we do something different?
- Are the 9 learning options considered to be a “program” that will grant a certificate if all options are completed?
- Will these options grant credits that can be transferred to post secondary institutions?
- Will the initiative be evaluated?
- I’m interested in learning more, where can I find additional resources?
1. What is the goal of this initiative?
The goal of this project is to provide consistent, quality learning options for the enhancement of skills of education assistants across the province.
2. How were the particular learning options chosen?
Fifteen learning options were chosen based on a survey completed by education assistants and an additional survey completed by the administrators of special education. Feedback was also provided by representatives of the SSEAC.
3. Do we have to do all of the learning options?
No. You should select the ones that are most applicable/relevant for your school district. Given the funds available, we don’t anticipate you would be able to provide all of the learning options.
4. Who determines what learning options will be available?
A district Committee consisting of representatives from human resources, special education administration and the local support staff union will determine the selection of options to be offered.
5. How does a district and local union group apply for the funds?
Funds have been allocated in principle to districts by a formula based primarily on student enrolment. Approval for use of funds is determined through an application process. Most districts completed the application process in 2007.
6. Who can deliver the learning options?
This will depend on the resources you have available in the district. If you have qualified district personnel we would encourage you to access these resources. However, if a district does not have such personnel, we can assist you in finding an appropriate person. The exception to this is for the Provincial Outreach programs – they will provide their own instructors.
7. What is the funding intended to cover?
The funding is to cover costs associated with delivering the learning option. It is important that the district and the local agree to what costs will be covered. Costs that could be covered include: printing, meals, cost of trainer, wages, travel costs associated with trainer, and so on.
8. How is the curriculum determined for each of the options?
The SSEAC committee chose people to develop the curriculum who have expertise in each of the areas represented by the learning options. These curriculum developers then followed a consistent format to develop each option.
9. What information or materials will we receive for each of the learning options?
The information provided for each learning option will vary; however, for most of the learning options we will provide an instructor’s handbook, an overview for participants, session outlines Powerpoint presentation, and handouts.
10. Are employees paid to attend the training sessions?
This is a decision for the district and local. This will vary depending on the terms of the collective agreement and practice in the district. If the parties agree that wages should be paid, the costs associated with this could come from the district’s allocation.
11. Do employees have to attend?
This is a decision for the district and local.
12. What does the “delivery cost” represent?
For those learning options other than the Provincial Outreach programs, this represents a notional amount paid to someone to deliver the learning option. The SSEAC committee agreed that an individual who delivers a learning option could be paid an honorarium of up to $150 per three hour module. If it is a district staff member who is delivering the option, the payment of the honorarium is at the discretion of the board and should be consistent with district practice.
13. Rather than doing the stated learning options, can we do something different?
Yes – you should complete the plan and provide details as to what the parties would like to do. It should be consistent with the overall objectives of this initiative. For example, in a district where the majority of EAs do not have formal EA training, the committee would approve the use of the funds to support the formal certification of EAs at a public post secondary institution.
14. Are the 15 learning options considered to be a “program” that will grant a certificate if all options are completed?
No, this is not a program. Districts and locals will choose the options to be offered which will probably not include all of those available. EAs will make choices from these offerings according to interests and needs. A certificate of completion will only be granted for each separate option that is successfully completed. Certificates of completion will be offered to those participants who attend all sessions and complete the summative assessment. EAs interested in further credentials should contact one of the public post secondary institutions.
15. Will these options grant credits that can be transferred to post secondary institutions?
No. These learning options are not credit courses. but post secondary institutions may consider an assessment of your learning that will impact your status in their programs. EAs will be encouraged to keep materials from the options, assessments, and certificates of completion to facilitate discussions with post secondary institutions.
16. Will the initiative be evaluated?
Yes. There are evaluation forms included as part of the instructional packages and these are intended to go to participants, instructors and to districts for completion. Once completed, these forms should be returned to the SSEAC committee for tabulation and reporting. The precise nature of this evaluation process and reporting will elaborated at a later time by the committee and additional information will be communicated to districts and local support staff unions.
17. Where can I find additional resources?
You can find additional information on funding, curriculum and best practices through these links:
Funding Allocation by Districts
Curriculum Framework
Best Practices in Professional Development
