Education advisory council meetings gather valuable information

The first round of district advisory council meetings have been held and Education Minister Doug Currie said some common themes are emerging.

A major overhaul of Prince Edward Island's education system is underway with the English Language School Board being integrated into the Department of Education.

The councils were formed to give the government some extra direction on education issues from the people directly impacted.

The eight district advisory councils are made up of 20 students and 55 school representatives including teachers and parents.

Currie said the councils provide a stronger voice for students and parents in shaping public policy in education. He said a lot of the same topics kept coming up.

"Some of the common discussions were around social, emotional well-being of our student population, class composition and the diversity of our classrooms across the province," he said.

"Discussion around assessments you know how we evaluate our students."

Currie said some suggestions included improving programs and services for high achieving students. Some students also shared concerns about how anxiety issues affect their peers.

Another common theme involved getting students ready for the new economy.

"The fourth one would have to be around are we providing the skills to students in our public system particularly around 21st century competencies. So lots of good stuff and a lot of positive conversation," he said.

Along with the district advisory councils, the government also has put together two other groups, a Learning Partners Advisory Council and a Principals Council.

Currie said a new School Act will be introduced in the legislature this spring.

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