Innovation Focus of Education Ministers’ Meeting in Iqaluit

Finding innovative ways to improve student achievement and meet the demands of a more competitive global job environment was among the issues discussed this week as the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, represented Newfoundland and Labrador at the 101st meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), held in Iqaluit, Nunavut, July 3-5.

Ministers focused on Aboriginal education (both past and present); the increasing importance of a post-secondary education; the challenges of improving education outcomes within the context of limited financial resources; a pan-Canadian early learning and development framework; innovative teaching and learning practices, and other issues of common interest and concern.

“I was pleased to have an opportunity to report on my participation in the Education World Forum earlier this year, where the focus was on the dramatic impact technology is having on education,” said Minister Jackman, who was asked by the CMEC to lead the Canadian delegation to the forum, held in London, England, January 28-30. “Innovation is key when we consider how to blend technology and learning, and this international forum allowed for an excellent exchange of information and ideas. I was also struck by how different education systems are worldwide and how fortunate we are in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in Canada, to have such comprehensive education programs that support the success of every student.”

This week's CMEC meeting also provided Minister Jackman with an opportunity to highlight innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador, such as the work being done around early childhood learning, as well as a teacher professional learning program which is having a positive impact on literacy and numeracy in Newfoundland and Labrador schools.

“We are committed to finding new ways to develop and deliver quality educational programs, as are my counterparts in other jurisdictions,” said Minister Jackman. “It is always good for ministers of education to come together to share new ideas and best practices with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement.”

This was the first time CMEC has met in Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory. CMEC, founded in 1967, is the collective voice of Canada’s ministers of education. It provides leadership in education at the pan-Canadian and international levels. For more information, visit www.cmec.ca. 

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2013 07 05                                           2:00 p.m.