B.C.'s Plans For Professional Development Of Teachers Irks Union

VANCOUVER — Plans by B.C.'s government to create detailed standards for the professional development of teachers are being met with resistance by union leadership. 

Teachers' union president Jim Iker calls Bill 11 a diversion from underfunding, adding there were no consultations and professional development shouldn't be mandated from the top down.

But Education Minister Peter Fassbender calls the bill "enabling legislation," and says now talks can take place with the union to develop detailed standards.

Fassbender says research has shown that one of the best ways to support students is to focus on quality teaching.

The bill would also give school boards the authority to negotiate deals with other public-sector agencies that would cut costs on shared services.

A separate amendment would bring the School Act into line with freedom of information and privacy laws.