Greater Victoria public schools thread

Edited by Matt R., 29 April 2021 - 12:47 PM.

I was told FI kids are taught math in a different way and when they hit regular high school some are a bit bewildered.

And don't get me started one the 1s that look like 7s. 

Seriously though, something about math is taught using more "European" methods. Though, even modern "English" math baffles me--I was shown how kids do long division in schools now and it's completely different than what we were taught in Grade 6.

i don't think there is any point studying complex math in school anymore.  for most students.

we have computers.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 29 April 2021 - 12:49 PM.

True but it does hone critical thinking skills. Exercises problem-solving areas of the brain. Same with arts and music instruction. Future careers will require this more than ever.

True but it does hone critical thinking skills. Exercises problem-solving areas of the brain. Same with arts and music instruction. Future careers will require this more than ever.

i think some of that is true.  but i'd much rather try to convert a word problem (train leaves the station etc.) into a formula than simply trying to solve some random quadratic equation.

the other day i was tasked with making a fairly simple spreadsheet for a particular project.  boy i sure forget how to do the formulas with the correct syntax.  took forever.  and lots of google and youtube.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 29 April 2021 - 01:00 PM.

Mike's how-to video sidebar is pointless too. First off, you may learn some from those videos, but you know full well you learn far more from doing (or attempting to) what the video is about. I watch a few videos on repairing my dryer. Great, gives me the info to get started, but I really learn when I actually do it. Plus, would Mike have been able to follow those videos if not for school teaching stuff like distance and measuring, following steps, critical thinking, solving puzzles...

 

When I watch a how to fix something video it makes me realize I am going to "call the guy" to get it fixed.

See! That's priceless!

Ontario to offer remote learning next school year

The province says the option to use online learning will be available for the entire 2021-2022 school year and it will be providing more information to parents in the coming months.

https://www.cbc.ca/n...hools-1.6012939

that's a pretty bold shift when realistically that does not have much to do with COVID.

i think it's a good idea.  the way students learn now is silly and inefficient in many ways.  

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 04 May 2021 - 02:37 PM.

The Greater Victoria School District announced Monday morning that it is postponing tonight’s scheduled vote on the 2021-22 budget until further notice.

“We heard the feedback from our learning community loud and clear, so we’re requesting outside support to help the board balance and approve its budget,” said school board chair Jordan Watters.

https://www.timescol...dget-1.24319917

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 17 May 2021 - 09:59 AM.

The school board shouldn't have caved. This just shows children that if they protest injustices government will change and we can't have that.

I wonder how much they'd save (both financially, and in carbon emissions) if they were to turn down the thermostat by, say, 2C from October to April?

And, why is it always music that gets cut, and not math or science?

Lastly, the article says that the district is down 330 students from last year, but teacher numbers are already set?  Tough cheddar, teach, there's not enough students, you aren't needed right now...

Isn't one of the big issues that kids just aren't into instruments like they once were? The garage band phenomenon is sort of fading away.

Not sure the last time you saw a school band performance but drums are the only thing that and a garage band share in common. Sometimes they have one guitar but most are playing Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, various horns, Saxophone, etc.

I have no idea what the statistics are but when my sister graduated from Spectrum a couple years ago their band room was completely full and when it was sunny they'd practice outside to have more space. Sure Spectrum is a highschool and they're proposing cutting middle school programs but I also doubt there's a large amount of people starting band in grade 9.

I've never really been a music (or any kind of arts) person but I agree I wish they'd quit cutting those programs. I really don't think my life is any better because I could do calculus for a year, never used it again, back to having no idea what I'd even do when looking at a calculus problem or because I spent a year watching low budget movies on medieval England. 

Spectrum is a bit unique in that it is known for its marching band program, I think?