Minister Highlights Investments in Education

Science and physical education teachers, skilled trades students and parents � these are just some of the people who have benefited from government�s unprecedented investments in education this year. As the province begins its annual Education Week events, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, stated that the extra $40 million invested in our K-12 education system speaks volumes to government�s commitment to students, teachers and administrators.

�I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the past year,� said Minister Burke. �We have eliminated school fees, and introduced exciting new curriculum in areas such as skilled trades and career development. Our technology integration program has placed more than 1,200 new computers in our schools. Students in intermediate and high school grades have access to interesting, state-of-the-art physical education equipment to support active living. These are all initiatives that have real and direct impact on our students� day-to-day school experience.�

The minister noted that significant investments have also been made to ensure a positive work environment for teachers. First and foremost, government made a payment of nearly $2 billion against unfunded pension liabilities of the Teachers� Pension Plan. Approximately $12.4 million kept 226 teaching positions in the system over the past two years. The average K-9 class now has less than 20 students. There was $3.7 million for professional development and an annual allocation of $4 million for new textbooks and resources. In addition, the minister expects the reports from the teacher allocation and the ISSP/Pathways reviews, which were commissioned at an estimated cost of $400,000, will build on steps already taken to create an education system of excellence.

�We know there is still work to be done, and government will continue to meet with interest groups, listen to teachers, and explore ways to make every classroom a productive learning environment, where teachers are supported and every student is given a chance to succeed. We have ensured that the public�s tax dollars are going directly to the classrooms and to initiatives that foster our students� success,� said Minister Burke.

The minister will visit a number of schools during Education Week to meet with the teachers and chat with the students about the importance of education.

Monday, March 5
St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary, Port au Port East, Opening Ceremonies
Lourdes Elementary, Lourdes

Tuesday, March 6
St. Michael�s Elementary, Stephenville Crossing
Our Lady of Mercy, St. George�s
Appalachia High School, St. George�s
E.A. Butler, McKay�s
Belanger Memorial, Upper Ferry

Wednesday, March 7
St. Gerard�s Elementary, Corner Brook

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 03 05                                                 9:30 a.m.