IMPORTANCE OF AN AGENDA FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Our school system is serving Manitoba children and families well. Educational levels are increasing and the rate of young people finishing high school is on the rise. The average skill level of young people is higher than in the past and more people are enrolling in post-secondary education. An adult education system is in place for those people wanting to continue their education. Teachers are better qualified than ever before and many are engaged in various forms of ongoing learning. As well, public education now devotes attention to greater inclusion of students with special needs and others experiencing difficulty in their learning. Schools are more aware of the need to reach out to families in order to respond appropriately to the diverse needs of learners.

Much is being accomplished. Yet, these achievements should not lead to complacency regarding the future. As educational levels increase, so do the demands for heightened access, inclusion and expanded opportunities for learning. There are a considerable number of issues and challenges that can only be addressed through school change initiatives.

• Too many students still do not attain sufficiently high levels of achievement to participate fully in the community. As education becomes more important to individuals and communities, we cannot allow large numbers of people to go through life without reasonable levels of education and credentials. Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, visible minorities, and less educated adults are among the groups whose current educational status is least satisfactory;

• Parents and families are critical to students’ educational success. Increasing population diversity, a better educated—and therefore more demanding—population and significant changes in factors such as gender roles and family structures all create challenges for schools;

• The public has expanded access to knowledge through both formal and informal means creating more pressure to recognize informal and prior learning experience;

• Skill demands in the workplace, and a continuously changing labour market, affect education and training needs, especially for young people. Different skills may be required for effective participation in the economy and society; and

• More community groups want to have a role in setting the direction of education and training in Manitoba, creating pressures for inclusive and participatory decision-making processes.

These factors have a combined impact that will necessitate changes in schools. Successful school change requires the participation of students, families, school staff and the broader community. Government has an important role in setting direction and bringing people together but real and lasting success requires the efforts of all.

The main resources we have to work with in education are the hearts and minds of those in and around our schools—students, teachers, parents, staff, school board members and others in the community. Engaging people in a positive process should be done in ways respectful of everyone who participates. Educators and communities genuinely want our students to succeed. The challenge is to work together to find ways of increasing student success. That is what the Manitoba K–S4 Education Agenda for Student Success is about.

Back to top

< Previous | TOC | Next >