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Call for Participants: BCTF Virtual Think Tank on Privatization
With guest presenter Dr. Sam Abrams, Columbia University
May 7, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
This one-day Think Tank will bring together BCTF members with educational experts to (1) explore growing pressures and trends towards privatization of education within the province and globally and, (2) identify strategies for resisting privatization
and defending public education as a public good. Dr. Sam Abrams, Director of the National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education at Teacher’s College, Columbia University, will frame the context for the day’s discussions using his book,
Education and the Commercial Mindset. Participants will be mailed a copy of the book by the end of March with suggested readings to preview prior to May 7th.
Why have this event now?
The COVID-19 pandemic has created conditions in which the privatization of public education can flourish. Privatization is a threat to education as a public good. While public education can contribute to a more equitable society, privatization in education
privileges individual and financial interests. This event aims to mobilize teachers’ perspectives and experiences to resist privatization of BC public schools.
Who can
participate?
The Think Tank will bring together 20 participants, including 8 selected through an open call to the general BCTF membership. The other participants will come from the Professional Issues Advisory Committee (2), the Working and Learning Conditions/Bargaining
Advisory Committee (2), the BCTF Executive Committee (2) and education partners working on issues related to privatization in education (6).
Is there any
cost?
No. The BCTF will request union leave for participants and cover the cost of the TTOCs as required for participation at the summit. The Think Tank will be held via Zoom.
Schedule at a glance
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9:00 a.m.
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Welcome
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9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
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Guest speaker and discussion:
Privatization
in Education, Dr. Sam Abrams
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11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Panel discussion:
How the pandemic is
amplifying and extending privatization in public education in BC
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12:00 p.m. – 13:00 p.m.
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Break
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13:00 p.m. – 15:30 p.m.
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Privatization in BC schools: challenges and strategies for resistance
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15:30 p.m.
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Closure
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How do I apply?
To apply, please fill in a BCTF Virtual Think Tank on Privatization application form. Email your completed application to researchassistants@bctf.ca or mail to: BCTF Research, 100-550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2; Fax: (604)
871-2294. Applications are due March 12, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.
Questions?
Email BCTF Research at researchassistants@bctf.ca. Call 604-871-2283 or toll free 1-800-663-9163.