Education Policy and Politics
Education policy and politics refer to the laws, rules, and decision-making processes that control educational institutions and activities in a specific region. Education policy and politics in British Columbia, Canada, have an important impact on the organization, financial support, content of education, and management of the province's schools. This includes initiatives addressing urgent issues such as bullying, equality, and inclusiveness (Inclusion, n.d.).
Government bodies, in collaboration with educational stakeholders such as teachers, parents, and community members, develop and execute education policy. The education sector includes discussions, support, and decision-making processes that shape policy orientations and resource distribution. Understanding education policy and politics is important for educators as they develop the education system and struggle for the maximum well-being of their students
ERASE Program
The ERASE program, the term for Expect Respect and Safe Education, is a broad initiative supported by the British Columbia (BC) government to address the issue of bullying in schools. The approach focuses on preventive measures to prevent bullying, provide support to victims, and promote a culture that encourages respect and inclusion. ERASE aims to create safe and supportive learning environments for every student by implementing education and awareness initiatives, formulating policies, using intervention strategies, and engaging with the community.
ERASE is meant to address the root causes of bullying and encourage positive social relationships by giving control and power to key individuals involved, such as students, educators, parents, and community members (Ministry of Education and Child Care, 2024a). The ERASE program, implemented in educational institutions throughout British Columbia, shows a dedication to empathy, accountability, and collaborative efforts in addressing bullying and developing a culture of respect
Importance and Needs
It is important to recognize the importance of addressing bullying in schools, as it can have a direct impact on the well-being and academic achievement of children. The high rate of bullying in British Columbia (BC), Canada, requires violent behaviour to build secure and diverse educational environments. The ERASE program fulfills this need by providing an extensive plan for intervention and prevention. ERASE addresses the issue of bullying by increasing knowledge about its impact, developing specific rules, using successful methods of intervention, and involving everyone in the educational environment (Ministry of Education and Child Care, 2024c). This approach develops a culture of respect and empathy. The significance of adopting the ERASE program lies in its ability to provide an encouraging atmosphere where each student experiences a sense of safety, importance, and respect
Implementation
1. Education and Awareness
• Develop deep discussions with children on the issue of bullying, its implications, and the importance of developing respect and empathy.
• Using resources provided by the BC government, such as educational materials and seminars, to promote discussions and increase awareness.
• Integrate anti-bullying concepts into the curriculum to promote empathy and encourage positive social engagement among children (Wilkey Oh, 2023).
3. Intervention Strategies
• Develop safety coordinators within the school community who are provided with the necessary training to identify signs of bullying and take appropriate action (BCCPAC, n.d.).
• Implement confidential reporting systems, enabling students to report incidents without concern of punishment.
• Use restorative justice approaches to resolve disagreements and restore relationships, promoting understanding and reconciliation among students (BCCPAC, n.d.).
2. Policy Development
• Review the classroom code of conduct to specifically address bullying behaviour and provide concrete consequences.
• Ensure adherence to the broad policies specified by the BC Ministry of Education to provide an integrated approach to the prevention of bullying (Ministry of Education and Child Care, 2024c).
• Effectively communicate the policies to students, parents, and staff, highlighting the shared responsibility in building a safe environment (Ministry of Education and Child Care, 2024b).
4. Community Engagement
• Engage in collaboration with parents and legal guardians by conducting workshops and educational sessions focused on identifying and resolving incidents of bullying behaviour (BCCPAC, n.d.).
• Develop collaborations with community groups and support services to provide additional help and support to students experiencing difficulties.
• Encourage the development of a culture that supports and encourages diversity and tolerance in the broader community, highlighting that bullying is not allowed under any condition.
Integration of Transformational Servant Leadership
The ERASE program is implemented based on the guiding principles of transformational servant leadership
Empathy refers to the ability to understand and connect to the emotions and experiences of students who are engaged in bullying situations. It requires developing a compassionate and empathetic response towards them (YERACE, 2014).
Active Listening involves creating an environment that encourages open discussion and communication, enabling students to express their problems and viewpoints (YERACE, 2014).
Collaboration involves actively involving all stakeholders, such as students, parents, staff, and community members, working together to address bullying and provide a positive school environment.
Inclusivity refers to the act of recognizing and appreciating the diversity among students and creating an environment where everyone feels a feeling of acceptance and belonging, irrespective of their background or identity (YERACE, 2014).
Conclusion
By implementing the ERASE program in my classroom, I can show a dedication to providing a safe, empathetic, and broad learning environment for every child. With the integration of transformational servant leadership traits, including empathy, active listening, collaboration, and inclusion, my goal is to effectively fight bullying and promote healthy social relationships among children. By working together and taking responsibility, we can create a school environment where each person is appreciated, supported, and given the chance to succeed.