Following the links, what is the surprise reason for leaving the public education system - “But a survey by FISA BC identified another reason for the move that Froese said was unexpected. Some northern parents explained that they opted for an independent school this year because they are uncomfortable with the Education Ministry?s move toward personalized learning ? also called 21st-century learning ? under B.C.?s Education Plan, announced in fall 2011 by then-education minister George Abbott.”

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/Independent+schools+report+expanding+enrolments+especially+North/7466741/story.html#ixzz2At0EIabu

The reactions, are puzzling to say the least. Puzzling since I believe that parents don’t like 21st century learning that pays no mind to the knowledge gaps of their students. In 21st century learning, the kind that is in the public education systems across Canada, it is left up to the students to fill in the gaps. Much harder to do, without a firm foundation in the 3 Rs.

Made worse, in the weekly news articles across BC, regarding something about the public education system. The latest is - “Students upset about class with over 50 kids”

Further down in the article - “Leadership is one of many classes without a class size cap under the Education Improvement Act, also known as Bill 22. Other classes without size caps include choir, dance, band, drama, work experience programs, distributed learning, and Planning 10, a mandatory class for graduation.

But Kurt Heinrich, media spokesperson for the Vancouver School Board, says the district believes the class size is manageable because it isn’t a core curriculum course like math or science that meets three times a week.

“This is a project-based class, so students select their projects and they’re able to work independently, and then they can circle back with their teacher throughout the year,” he told The Tyee.”
http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/Education/2012/10/26/Students-upset-about-class-with-over-50-kids/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=271012

The above is one of the reasons why parents are marching with their feet to the independent schools.

Another incentive along the way is - “The British Columbia government funds more than 85 per cent of its province’s private schools. In Canada’s westernmost province, independent and private schools receive more than $150 million in funding per year. For a private school to receive one of these grants (which will lower your tuition costs), it must hire only certified teachers and meet the provincial curriculum.

British Columbia may also help you pay for private school through tax breaks. Two particular types of schools are noteworthy here. First, if you send your child to a faith-based school, paying for its tuition may count as charitable donation for which you will receive a tax credit. Similarly, enrolling your child in a school for students with special needs may allow you to claim medical tax benefits.

Private schools in British Columbia might also assist you in funding your child?s education through scholarships and bursaries. Consult these tips on how to make private school affordable.”
http://www.ourkids.net/vancouver-private-schools.php

Too bad the public education system does not look inward, at the education policies and practices that actually provide more fuel, for parents to vote with their feet, and go to independent schools. The kind that thinks 50 kids in non-core curriculum subjects is just fine…..crazy and irrational thinking.