Minister of Education releases ministerial panel report

"I am pleased to release the report of the Ministerial Panel on the Delivery of Education in the Classroom, an insightful and directional report that I believe will help bring renewed strength to our educational system," said Minister of Education, Judy Foote, today.

The ministerial panel was struck seven months ago, with two of the province�s most eminent educators, Drs. Len Williams and Ron Sparkes, as co-chairs. The mandate was to undertake a critical examination of the delivery of education in the province�s schools and make recommendations on matters of curriculum, supports to the K-12 education system and accountability of the system.

"While the report was submitted to me just a few days ago, I felt it was important to release it immediately. This panel�s entire process has been a public one - with input from parents, students, educators and many other stakeholder groups. The implementation process will be public as well," added Minister Foote.

Some of the recommendations of the report have been identified as priority areas and will be implemented immediately. These are:

• implementation of a new framework for teacher allocations

• development and implementation of new curricula

• increased professional development for teachers

• development of a new model for distance learning

• creation of music specialist and reading specialist positions

• reinstatement of a streamlined and efficient program of public exams in core areas

• employment of two K-12 auditors

The remainder of the report is being reviewed and an implementation team is being established to move forward immediately on those proposals and recommendations put forward by the panel which don�t have an impact on collective bargaining.

"Today�s release of the panel�s report, the immediate implementation of key recommendations and the transparency of the entire process is a clear indication that government is committed to education and working, cooperatively, with all stakeholders, to help make the education system in Newfoundland and Labrador the best it can be," said Minister Foote.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2000 04 05                                     12:05 p.m.