Albertans discuss the future of education
Local conversation part of Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans
Lethbridge. . . Approximately 100 Albertans from the Lethbridge area shared their ideas about the future of education in the fourth of a series of 10 discussion sessions being held by the Alberta government in eight locations across the province between April and June.
“The dialogue is about Albertans coming together to help determine the future of education in Alberta” 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.”
Using an open, conversational approach, Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Alberta engages Albertans in extensive discussions about education as a foundation for the future societal and economic success of the province. The perspectives and ideas gathered through this process will be used to develop a policy framework which describes the overall direction, principles and long-term goals for 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 important task that is critical to the future of our province.”
In addition to the 10 regional conversations, a conversation toolkit is available for local community groups to organize and participate in the dialogue. School councils, neighbourhood organizations, families, businesses, and volunteer and nonprofit organizations can offer their thoughts and insights to the process. Albertans are also invited to participate in online moderated discussions of a range of perspectives and ideas on the Inspiring Education website. The process will culminate in a three-day provincial conversation, to be held 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 have all 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. In addition to co-chairs Johnson and McDonough, the committee is comprised of three additional MLAs and 16 individuals from across the province who guide the project and serve as its ambassadors.
For more information on registering to participate in a regional session or how to hold a community conversation, visit www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca/, email at Inspiring.Education@gov.ab.ca or call
780-427-7219
