Albertans discuss the future of education
Local conversations wrap up first phase of Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans
Edmonton... More than 1,000 Albertans shared their ideas about the future of education at 10 community conversation sessions held by the Alberta government in eight locations across the province between April and June. Edmonton hosted the final session in the first phase of Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans, with more than 100 people in attendance.
“The dialogue is bringing Albertans together in lively and expressive conversations about the future of education in Alberta and sharing their ideas of what the world may look like in 20 years” said Education Minister Dave Hancock. “The world that we live in is changing – and education in Alberta must change along with it. The dialogue is about helping tomorrow’s students find their passions and prepare for success in the future.”
Inspiring Education engages Albertans in extensive discussions about education as a foundation for the future societal and economic success of the province, using an open, conversational approach. The perspectives and ideas will be used to develop a policy framework for the overall direction, principles and long-term goals of education in Alberta over the next two decades.
“As a co-chair of the Inspiring Education steering committee, one of my responsibilities is to be an ambassador and encourage Albertans from all parts of the province to join in the conversations about their needs and expectations for education into the future,” said Athabasca-Redwater MLA Jeff Johnson. “This is an important task that is critical to the future of our province.”
To keep the conversations continuing through the summer and into the fall, a conversation toolkit is available to local community groups. School councils, neighbourhood organizations, families, businesses, and volunteer and nonprofit organizations can offer their thoughts and insights. Albertans are also invited to connect on the Inspiring Education blog, Twitter and participate in online moderated discussions on the Inspiring Education website. The dialogue will culminate in a three-day provincial conversation, October 18 - 20 in Edmonton.
Edmonton teacher and steering committee co-chair Brent McDonough observed, “Education is the responsibility of the entire community and we all have a role in planning for the future of education. We want many diverse voices and many points of view to shape the future of education through this dialogue.”
A steering committee, representing a range of perspectives, was appointed by Hancock in November 2008 to help design and lead the process. The committee is comprised of three MLAs in addition to co-chairs Johnson and McDonough and 16 individuals from across the province who guide the project and serve as its ambassadors.
For more information on holding a community conversation or becoming involved in the dialogue, visit www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca, email at Inspiring.Education@gov.ab.ca or call
780-427-7219
