Observed the Sept. 12 2011 Special Education Policy Ad Hoc committee.

The previous meeting section 1. of the consultation plan was discussed and the committee decided that, “To request input regarding possible changes to the Policy on Special Education and such other policy changes which may improve service to special education students and request solutions to identified problems.” should be the text to the question, "WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTATION?".

However at this meeting the text for section 1. as directed by district staff was "To request input regarding possible changes to Policy P.096.SES Special Education Programs and Services, which is the governing policy for special education."

James Cram positions a blank piece of wood, punches some commands into a keyboard and the machine rumbles to life.
By Matthew Pearson, The Ottawa Citizen November 9, 2010
Close to 40 public schools in Ottawa, including 22 high schools and 17 intermediate schools, are rolling out the program.
Bob Aucoin, Rideau's woodworking teacher, caught wind of WoodLINKS and brought it to his school first.
Read more:

Although I believe I would make a fine trustee there are projects I can return to now that I will not be one. This web site being one of those projects.

Trustee Cambell explores the issues and explains his position on the Alternative Program Review issue.
It is a fairly long article but gives a good overview of the issues and should leave no doubts as to his views on the subject.
He uses the acornym "SEF" early on which stands for "School Effectiveness Framework"
Link to The Alt Ed Debate - Extended Version by Trustee Campbell

After waiting more than twenty minutes for enough trustees to show so the meeting could get started the only thing worth waiting for really was the last minute addition of the presentation by OSSTF of their members comments. Interesting comments around the Attendance Management Program in the later part of that audio clip

Still it was rather rude of the absent trustees to keep about 30 people waiting.
There are audio links on the main page.
Trustee Scott put the $15 million in cuts needed to balance the budget into perspective by commenting that it would be equal to reducing every school's budget by $100,000 or doing completely away with central administration.

When the Trustees on December 15 2009, voted 10 to 2 to keep Rideau HS open they also tasked the board staff to develop a plan to address the low enrolment/student flight/student retention.
On February 16 staff will be presenting Report No. 10-035 Re: Interim Report on the Comprehensive Plan to Address Long Term Enrolment Issues in Secondary Schools to the Education Committee

Few immediate detailed steps in this report. Basically a recommendation for 1.5 additional staff costing $154,000 and up to $15,000 for a communications strategy.
The section Strategies for Rideau High School is a start but needs a lot of detailed fleshing out and needs to go beyond report speak to actual on the ground implementation. I'll use the comments section at the bottom of the main article to address specific issues.

OCDSB Downtown Budget Info Night

Queen Mary Street Public School celebrate their diversity by sharing stories of the many cultures of the students and families at the school. Part of that sharing is a bread festival where families contribute bread unique to their culture. The students, parents and school staff dress in ethnic garb to make this event a dynamic celebration of the school.

Video of event from CBC

The school council meeting starts at 7:pm
The main topic will be about what comes now that Rideau HS will remain open. Concrete actions are needed to address the isssues that lead to it being recommended for closure in the first place.

Use the links to see the full agenda.

By Kenneth Blogg From the New Edinburgh News Dec. 2009 Issue

"In mathematics 69% of his students scored either a level 3 or 4 compared to 65% of students in Grade 6 across the OCDSB and 63% of the Grade 6 students in the province. In reading and writing they did even better. In reading 77% scored at level 3 or 4 compared to 73% in the board and 69% in the province and in writing 85% of his students achieved the top results compared to 73 % across the board and 69% across the province."

Full story New Edinburgh News - December 2009 [5MB PDF] on page 29.

Public board report finds drop overall
By Joanne Laucius, The Ottawa CitizenDecember 16, 2009

"The kids who need help the most are the ones getting suspended," said Dale Ford, a former special education resources teacher who acts as an advocate for the families of suspended children.

I will be the first to admit that prior to attending Rideau High School, I was very afraid; many people had told me of its big, bad reputation. But, what I came to learn in my first week there was that this was a school with an incredible amount of school spirit, a diverse body of skilled teachers, and an immense outlet for students searching to flourish their creative talents.

When the preschoolers go for a walk upstairs in the "big school" we always take the blue rope. All the children know that they need to hold onto the rope so that we all stay together, stay safe, learn something and have fun. On this particular day we were visiting the Music room because the "big kids" were getting ready for an assembly and they needed a live audience to practice for.

You’ll notice one thing about Rideau grads that separates us from others. We are not embarrassed of our school, of our education or intimidated by what any rumors say. We love our school and are proud to say “I graduated from Rideau High School!”

Rideau had an excellent parenting program for parents to get there high school diploma. I was able to go to school and have my child attend the Rideau daycare. I did not have to travel far as the daycare was located in the school which gave me piece of mind. I had the support of the teachers, staff and the daycare to help me succeed and get my diploma. Without them i don't know what i would have done.