Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this year I appointed four delegates from the western Northwest Territories to be members of the Minister's Forum on Education. The Forum was instructed to visit a number of different communities to consult with people on the challenges they face, and to hear recommendations they have for the education system. In particular, the Forum has focused its efforts on early childhood education and the regular K-12 school system. These community visits also provided an opportunity for the delegates to observe programming in these areas first-hand. The Forum has recently completed its consultation on the future of education in the western Northwest Territories. The delegates have submitted their final report along with their recommendations for the continued improvement of the education system. During their travels, Mr. Speaker, the delegates were impressed with the high interest that people have in education of our youth.
Meetings with selected organizations, focus groups and the public were well-attended. Over 900 people came out to meet with the forum members during their tour of eleven communities. As well, 40 written submissions from various groups and individuals were received. The final report prepared by the Minister's Forum indicates that the members heard consistent messages in all regions of our new territory. People readily provided the delegates with their perspective on what elements of the system are working well, and which ones require attention. The most significant issues raised during the visits were concerns about class size, and how to deal with the wide range of special needs of students found in the classroom.
On the other hand, Mr. Speaker, the recent initiatives by this government and our federal partners to increase early childhood development programs is considered a success. Both parents and educators spoke of the importance of early childhood development to prepare our children for school.
The Forum also heard that improvements could be made:
- by improving methods for assessing and diagnosing learning needs at the earliest stages;
- by improving implementation of culture and language programming;
- through better support for grade extensions in small communities; and,
- by improving communication and partnerships to support education within our communities.
In their report, Mr. Speaker, Forum members say that, if we wish to support a more effective system of education for our schools, we will need more funding than is currently provided. In particular, the Forum recommends:
- more stability and long-term funding for early childhood development programs;
- better resources for high schools, especially smaller ones, to improve the quality of delivery of secondary programs in all communities;
- lowering the pupil-teacher ratio; and,
- increasing funding to support hiring special needs assistants to improve the Inclusive Schooling Model.
Mr. Speaker, these recommendations, along with other methods of research and consultation, will be the basis for the development of an updated strategic plan for the Northwest Territories. This updated plan will expand on the current strategic plan, People-Our Focus for the Future, and will reflect our fiscal situation. I am pleased with the efforts of the members of the Forum on Education. They have undertaken their work in a serious and balanced manner and have provided a report that offers practical ways to improve education in the western Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with the delegates, educators and the communities in undertaking the kind of reforms that will make sure our education system better reflects the needs and interests of the people of the western Northwest Territories. Mahsi.
--Applause