Forum participants see education as key to future success
Edmonton... Approximately 1,000 Albertans wrapped up the Inspiring Education fall forum with a commitment to preparing now for students of the future and a renewed vision for education to support a diversified knowledge economy in 2029.
“Throughout the process, we heard that people were excited to be involved and have an impact on the future of education in this province,” said Education Minister Dave Hancock. “Albertans truly value their education system and they clearly realize that education is the key to our future prosperity.”
At the October 18 – 20 forum, inspirational speakers Daniel Pink, Dr. Mark Milliron, Dr. Jennifer James and Dr. Indira Samarasekera shared their perspectives on education and the future. A panel discussion on education and the economy also took place. In a roundtable setting, participants discussed the qualities and abilities needed by an educated Albertan in 2029 and provided input to policy and governance themes.
Daniel Pink, author of a trio of bestselling books on the changing world of work, including A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future stated in his Oct. 18 presentation, “This conversation is truly not taking place in many places in the world. And I think that the mere fact of having these sets of conversations shows a level of vision and possibility that is really unique in North America.”
Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans is led by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by Athabasca-Redwater MLA Jeff Johnson and Edmonton teacher Brent McDonough. The project is also supported by a Working Committee, with membership from education stakeholder groups and representatives from several provincial government departments.
Outcomes from the forum and spring community engagement activities will help to inform development of a policy and governance framework and revisions to the School Act. The framework, being developed by the Steering Committee, is scheduled to be presented to Hancock early in the new year.
More information on the dialogue is available at www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca
