EDUCATION/EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT–Panel Urges Nova Scotians to Act Now to Improve Education System

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The panel looking for views on education has issued a challenge to all Nova Scotians: if you want change, get involved.

Myra Freeman, chair of the Minister’s Panel on Education, launched the challenge today, May 8, while visiting students at Prince Andrew High School who were filling out the education review survey. Ms. Freeman encouraged the teachers and students to spread the word among their peers.

“This is the first opportunity in 25 years for Nova Scotians to affect change in the education system,” said Ms. Freeman. “We want everyone including students, parents, educators and community members, to help us shape the future of education in Nova Scotia.”

The Ivany Report challenged Nova Scotians to think differently and the review is one of the first opportunities Nova Scotians have to express their personal opinions on changes that need to happen.

They are encouraging all Nova Scotians to do the same.

“The guide will enable like-minded groups to come together to identify issues and bring them forward to the panel,” said Ms. Freeman. “I challenge students, teachers, parents and guardians, community and business partners, education groups and others to meet as a group to talk about the school system.”

The guide provides a series of questions and conversation starters and each section includes facilitator notes, discussion questions and space to record input. Summaries of group discussions can be sent to the panel by e-mail or post.

Nova Scotians can also share comments, ideas and feedback by

— e-mailing educationreview@gov.ns.ca

— phoning 1-844-424-3777

— tweeting at @NSEdReview

— mailing them to the Minister’s Panel on Education c/o Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, P.O. Box 578, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2S9.

The survey, discussion guide and submission information are available at http://novascotia.ca/review . The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 13.