Read the full report in the Spring 2008 Dialogue. CLICK HERE .
Responding to and addressing the learning needs of a broad range of students is a pivotal issue many independent schools in Canada are grappling with. Over 150 committed teachers and educators from these schools gathered at Upper Canada College in Toronto on November 13, 2007 to debate, share and exchange information and views about “differentiating instruction.”
The question at the heart of the discussion and the title of the panel discussion was: “Meeting the needs of students: How far should schools go?” The well-attended and engaging evening was organized by the Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI).
The learning needs of students attending both independent and public schools have become increasingly diverse and parents are demanding more individualized programming, Dr. James (Jim) Christopher, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the evening’s moderator explained.
The event brought together the following experts, who are well versed and passionate about their field:
Rosemary Evans, Academic Director, Branksome Hall (Toronto)
Mary Gauthier, Executive Director, Wernham West Centre for Learning (Toronto)
Dr. Karen Gazith, Director of Education, Bronfman Jewish Education Centre (Montreal)
Dr. Stephan Grasmuck, Headmaster, Fraser Academy (Vancouver)
Dr. Barb Smith, Vice Principal, Academic Program, The Sterling Hall School (Toronto)
“It’s crucial that we have this conversation about how we can effectively continue to meet the needs of our students,” Christopher told the audience. The evening began with brief prepared comments from each of the panelists, then immediately moved into a Q&A session that ranged widely and pointedly on topics raised by the audience and panelists.
A comprehensive report on the panel discussion exploring differentiating instruction will be featured in the Spring 2008 issue of Dialogue magazine. To preorder your copy today, click here.
