Introduction I. Our Focus is on the Learner What is Best for the Learner? How do Children Learn? How to Stimulate Children’s Learning Children are Active Learners Children Learn Through Physical Experience Children’s Learning is Affected by Their Surroundings Children Learn Through Social Interaction Children Learn Through Reflection Children Have Different Learning Styles Children are Intelligent in Different Ways Including All Learners The Principles of Learning II. The Parent’s Role Benefits of Supporting Your Child’s Learning Creating a Supportive Learning Environment at Home Building Children’s Self-Esteem Building Children’s Communication Skills III. The Learner, Parent and Teacher Partnership Our Commitment The Teacher’s Role Changes in the Teacher’s Role Curriculum Teachers Interpret the Curriculum Instruction Takes Different Forms Combined Classes Creating Class Groupings Learning Plans for Students with Specific Needs Homework How Students are Assessed and Evaluated Building a Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher Tips for Talking to Teachers Parent-Teacher Conferences IV. Spotlight on School and District Focusing on the School         The Role of School Administrators         The Role of School Support Staff         Extracurricular Activities         Code of Conduct         Parent Handbooks         How to Become Involved in the School         The School Planning Council         15 Reasons to Be Involved in Your Child’s School         How to Build a Good Relationship with the School Focusing on the District         The Richmond District Parents Association         The Richmond Teachers’ Association         The Richmond Association of School Administrators         The Canadian Union of Public Employees         The Role of District Administrators         The Role of the School Board         How to Become More Informed About Our District         How Parents Can Affect Board Policies V. The Big Picture – Public Schools in BC The Role of the Ministry of Education How Parents Can Have an Influence at the Provincial Level The Role of BC College of Teachers The Role of the Provincial Ombudsman The Importance of Public Education Conclusion Quick Reference Frequently Asked Questions, organized into the following categories:         1. General         2. Counseling Services         3. Assessment of Kindergarten Students         4. Additional Student Support Services         5. English as a Second Language         6. French Immersion         7. Career Development         8. Summer School         9. Continuing Education         10. Province-wide Tests         11. Revised Graduation Programs                  12. Enriched Programs         13. Resolving Concerns Acronyms District Phone List District Map District Framework of Purposes and Goals: Foundations Directions Continuous Improvement Bibliography Full Document in PDF Format (1.4 mb) Copyright Copyright © 2005 School District No. 38 (Richmond). All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Printed in Canada. Published by School District No. 38 (Richmond). Written by Donaleen Saul. Edited by Jean Garnett. Graphic design by Minh Tan. Cover photo by Mark Patrick courtesy of the Richmond Review. ISBN 0-9689123-0-3 For more information, please contact: The Office of the Superintendent School District No. 38 (Richmond) 7811 Granville Avenue Richmond, BC V6Y 3E3 Phone: 604-668-6000 Fax: 604-668-6006 Email: questions@richmond.sd38.bc.ca