Focus on literacy in primary classroom proceeding as planned

In response to an erroneous public statement by the Opposition education critic, Education Minister Judy Foote set the record straight today.

"The plans for an increased focus on reading, writing and other language skills in the K-3 classroom, developed collaboratively with all school districts, will proceed as planned," said Minister Foote.

"Despite the fact that the Opposition critic and the leader of the Opposition party have said otherwise, our position has not changed. We must improve the literacy levels in this province and as I have said over and over again, getting to children early in their education is key. We have a comprehensive strategy to achieve that goal and we are moving forward in the best interest of our children.

"It is incomprehensible that Mr. Hedderson, who was himself a teacher, fails to understand the very nature of the primary classroom. There is an integrated approach to teaching all subjects in K-3.

"As I have responded repeatedly to the opposition critic for education, language arts will account for 40 per cent of instructional time. That total will be derived from the 25 per cent currently allocated, the 10 per cent currently labeled �optional� (which many teachers already utilize for language arts) and the remaining five per cent will be achieved by doing what comes naturally in the primary classroom � integrating language arts into other subjects."

"No twisting of words by anyone will change that," added the minister.

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

2001 05 03                                                      2:45 p.m.