Fraser Valley

• Submitted by: Jean Atkinson, University College of the Fraser Valley
  
  
  

Kwantlen University College

Derek Nanson, Dean of Qualifying Studies and Student Services, reports that the semester has gone very well at Kwantlen. There has been increased demand for courses, particularly at the upper levels. ABE continues to coordinate with other academic areas which offer similar courses or require ABE courses as prerequisites.

School District 35 (Langley)

Langley Education Centre offers high school course at the grades 10, 11, and 12 levels. Many of these courses are available as structured classes; as well, most courses are offered through a directed learning format, with teacher-directed activities available to students online or on-site at our Centre.

Some new initiatives for the 2007-2008 school year include:

a “blended” model of instruction including one weekly structured class combined with additional online and on-site options, more courses offering online assignments, new courses including a Family Studies 12 class, a Drama 12 class, an Acting 12 class … and so much more.

A new Choices class for students who need a gradual transition to senior level course.

Call Langley Education Centre to make a counseling appointment – there is a course here which is exactly what you have been looking for. Child minding and parking are available.

School District 33 (Chilliwack): Education Centre

As well as offering the regular 9-12 curriculum, the Education Centre has a number of other initiatives.

They are exploring project based learning and have two interesting programs to date: Introduction to Aviation and a course where students help out at a local fish hatchery.

In partnership with Chilliwack Community Services, they also offer a Young Parent Program whereby children's programs run while their parents continue their education.

University College of the Fraser Valley

College and Career Preparation (CCP) Department

The department was nominated for an award at the recent Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards celebration. Although CCP did not win, Chilliwack Central Elementary School, the home of one of the department's community based classes, did win in its category.

The department hosted the annual ABEABC conference May 9-12 on the Chilliwack campus. The conference was …

Regional Literacy Coordination Program

Julia Dodge, the literacy contact person for the UCFV region, provides leadership and support for its literacy programs and services. Some highlights of her work are:

Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz/Harrison, and Hope/Boston Bar all have strategic planning committees that receive support from Literacy Now to develop community literacy action plans.

Two community Family Literacy programs - Central Gateway for Families (Chilliwack) and Parents and Children Together (Abbotsford) – continue to offer integrated family and child support services centred on a CCP Adult Learning Centre on-site at two local elementary schools. As well, a stand-alone CCP Adult Learning Centre operates in the evening at another elementary school in Abbotsford. Canada's first and longest standing family literacy program, Families in Motion, another partnership of UCFV and Chilliwack Community Services, continues to function in Chilliwack.

The Fifth Annual Learners Talking to Learners event, “Sharing Our Words” took place on April 4. This brings approximately 100 adult learners from both community-based and UCFV programs together on campus for a day of celebration, story-telling and reading, public speaking, and campus tours.

Julia hosted a one day regional event, “Forging a Learning Region,”on May 18. Keynote speakers were Cynthia Whitaker of Literacy BC and Brenda Leclair of Literacy Now.

Thompson/Okanagan

• Submitted by: Lyra Warkentin
  
  

TRU- Kamloops

The University Prep department at TRU is dealing with a number of challenges. After ratifying a new Collective Agreement last year which would base workload on credits taught instead of hours taught, both ESL and University Prep departments have been informed that the new workload does not apply to them. The outcome will now be decided in arbitration. As well, another position was lost to the department when the Dean for the Division of Student Development was chosen from the University Prep department.

On a brighter note, the TRU Writing Center, which was reopened with the help of the University Prep department this year, will remain open for the first 6 weeks of summer session. As well, the department is negotiating another affiliation agreement with Nuxalt First Nations. On a final note, course registrations are consistent with last year and the department is looking forward to tuition free classes next fall.

TRU – Williams Lake

Williams Lake recently celebrated the Grand Opening of its new campus with the help of Rick Hansen! It was a great success and offered helpful publicity in a time when enrollments are low.

School District #73

School District #73 is considering the relocation of its adult upgrading program from its current site to an unused elementary school. The Virtual School may also be moved to the same location. The new location is remote which may make it difficult for students to access the program. As well, in January 2007, the downtown location was closed; as a result, there is now one location for adult upgrading.