The Division is responsible for a number of program and service areas:
- Information Branch:
The Information Branch manages the development of policies and standards related to distributed learning (e-learning), evaluates Distributed Learning schools to ensure a high quality of programs, and organizes, analyses and reports on student performance in the K-12 education system.
- Measurement, Evaluation and International Languages Department:
The Measurement, Evaluation and International Languages Department is responsible for classroom and large-scale provincial assessments and examinations, for graduation certification and for provincial, national and international indicators of student achievement.
The Department coordinates and administers provincial, national and international assessments, provincial examinations, student certification, transcripts and scholarships and awards.
In addition, the department is responsible for policy, curriculum and assessment related to international and BC First Nations languages as well as for French Programs. French Programs include those designed for learners of French as a second language, such as French Immersion, and those mandated for Francophone students, based on Section 23 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- Common Business Initiatives:
Common Systems and Services manages the provision of shared solutions for Boards of Education, school districts, independent schools, and First Nations schools. The branch contains two units, Shared Governance and Shared Services that are responsible for developing management models and establishing processes to help schools and districts to work together more effectively. In addition to BCeSIS, the branch is working with other Ministry units, ITMB and vendors to establish several new Common Systems Initiatives.
- Business Integration:
The Business Integration Branch works with Boards of Education, school districts, independent schools, First Nations schools, and the Ministry to develop and maintain effective and efficient processes to exchange data.
The branch works closely with all branches of the Ministry. The BC Enterprise Student Information System (BCeSIS) is adopted by all Boards of Education including more than 100 independent schools in the province. BCeSIS provides both schools and the Ministry with the opportunity to change and refine many administrative processes, to improve data quality, and to introduce new technologies to make data exchanges easier and faster for everyone.
The primary goal is to support student achievement. Business Integration’s work in creating simpler, more effective administrative processes will give schools the opportunity to be more flexible and responsive to students and parents, reduce costs, improve service and support the delivery of better education programs that meet local needs.
The branch includes 2 units:
The Knowledge Management Division provides information technology in the area of data networks for both Ministry of Education and Ministry of Advanced Education.
- Provincial Learning Network (PLNet)
The British Columbia Provincial Learning Network (PLNet) is the network infrastructure enabling communications and the delivery of educational content to schools and post secondary institutions in British Columbia. Connecting over 1900 schools, post secondary, and other public institutions in British Columbia, PLNet provides a secure, managed, high-speed connectivity to government, each other, and to the internet regardless of geographic location or population size. PLNet means that every school and community, no matter how remote or urban, is connected to the Internet.
The Ministry's PLNet office works closely with other branches within the ministry and other areas of government to deliver and support this educational network. Network services for PLNet are provided by both public and private sector organizations.
PLNet was founded, and continues to adhere to the following core principles:
- Universal access: All learners in the province will have equal access to learning opportunities and educational programs. The PLNet brings opportunities and programs to communities unable to access them.
- Equitable pricing: PLNet services are provided to the entire province at the same rate. Educational institutions in remote areas of the province will receive the same levels of network services as urban schools.
- Service driven by client needs: Because it is scaleable and incorporates a range of technologies, the PLNet provides customized services to meet specific client needs.
- A commitment to a regional and community focus: By linking institutions and organizations within a geographic region or community, the PLNet provides new opportunities for growth, cooperation, and interaction at the local level
- Information Technology Management Branch (ITMB):
ITMB plays an essential role in helping the ministries of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; and Education meet their strategic business objectives and service plan mandates. ITMB provides integrated support, leadership and direction for the transformation and re-engineering of the ministries' information management and information technology (IM/IT) systems and services.
Through partnership and collaboration, our goal is to establish successful relationships and implement technology-based solutions for strategic ministry initiatives. ITMB works extensively with the program areas to understand their key business processes and how technology can be used to enable service delivery.
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