The BCTEA is pleased to announce the release of its Best Practices Guide at its 2011 conference in Kamloops recently. 

Technology education in BC schools has undergone profound structural changes in recent years.  These are not the result of curriculum revision. These changes are the result of current levels of funding and of the removal of maximum class size numbers by Bill 33. At present, class sizes  ften exceed facility design. Current budgets do not meet the costs of supplies, equipment, or maintenance. Providing a safe and effective learning environment is not possible unless minimum standards are met. No protocols are currently recognized for matching appropriate class sizes to technology education courses. Fewer teachers are teaching larger classes with less supplies, equipment, and maintenance than ever before.

In an attempt to address the resultant problems in program quality and teaching and learning conditions, the BC Technology Education Association (BCTEA) has compiled a comprehensive document outlining recognized best practices. Health and safety is paramount and is an underlying theme in all sections. Teaching and learning in technology education takes place in an inherently dangerous environment. Due diligence on the part of all—shop teachers, school administrators, school board trustees, the Ministry of Education, and government—must guide both policies and actions if we are to avoid student injuries and possible litigation.

Below are links to recent media coverage on the release of the BPG and the intent of the document.  Consider contacting your local media and tell your story and promote the BPG.

http://www.theprogress.com/news/132740613.html
http://www.cfjctv.com/story.php?id=5094
http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/290782--teachers-too-many-kids-in-woodshop-and-metal-shop-classes
http://thetyee.ca/News/2011/10/27/BC-Tech-Education/