Page 8 - Business Studies 9-10 (2006)

INTRODUCTION 7
Parents. Parents have an important role to play in supporting student learning. Studies show that students perform better in school if their parents or guardians are involved in their educa- tion. By becoming familiar with the curriculum, parents can determine what is being taught in the courses their children are taking and what their children are expected to learn.This awareness will enhance parents’ ability to discuss their children’s work with them, to commu- nicate with teachers, and to ask relevant questions about their children’s progress. Knowledge of the expectations in the various courses also helps parents to interpret teachers’ comments on student progress and to work with teachers to improve their children’s learning.
The business studies curriculum promotes lifelong learning. In addition to supporting regular school activities, parents may wish to encourage their daughters and sons to take an active interest in current affairs and provide them with opportunities to question and reflect on what is happening in the world. Other effective ways in which parents can support students’ learn- ing include attending parent–teacher interviews, participating in parent workshops, becoming involved in school council activities (including becoming a school council member), and encouraging students to complete their assignments at home.
Teachers. Teachers and students have complementary responsibilities.Teachers are responsible for developing appropriate instructional strategies to help students achieve the curriculum expectations, as well as appropriate methods for assessing and evaluating student learning. Teachers also support students in developing the reading, writing, oral communication, and numeracy skills needed for success in their courses.Teachers bring enthusiasm and varied teaching and assessment approaches to the classroom, addressing different student needs and ensuring sound learning opportunities for every student.
Using a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies, teachers provide numer- ous opportunities for students to develop skills of inquiry and communication and to acquire marketable business skills while learning fundamental concepts.The activities offered should enable students to relate and apply these concepts to economic, technological, and social circumstances and ethical issues in the world in which they live. Opportunities to relate knowl- edge and skills to these broader contexts will motivate students to learn and to become life- long learners.
Principals. The principal works in partnership with teachers and parents to ensure that each student has access to the best possible educational experience.To support student learning, principals ensure that the Ontario curriculum is being properly implemented in all classrooms using a variety of instructional approaches.They also ensure that appropriate resources are made available for teachers and students.To enhance teaching and learning in all subjects, including business studies, principals promote learning teams and work with teachers to facili- tate teacher participation in professional development activities. Principals are also responsible for ensuring that every student who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is receiving the modifications and/or accommodations described in his or her plan – in other words, for ensuring that the IEP is properly developed, implemented, and monitored.