The Government of Saskatchewan has appointed two advisors to lead a province-wide consultation process to ask students, teachers, parents and the broader education sector how to improve the education system by putting the Student First. Education Minister Don Morgan made the announcement at St. Marguerite School in Saskatoon to Grade 6 students representing the Class of 2020.
"We have heard from teachers and parents that we could do a better job of listening to their ideas and concerns, and that is why we are going to engage in some deep listening over the next few months," Morgan said. "We want to see what is working well, what's not working well, and what would make students' experiences even better. What we hear will then inform the priorities for the development of the education system plan."
Russ Mirasty and Patricia Prowse will lead the consultations. Ms. Prowse is a superintendent with Saskatoon Public Schools and has been an educator for 33 years. She has expertise and experience in First Nations, Inuit and Métis education, and literacy initiatives. Russ Mirasty is the recently retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner and was the first person of First Nations ancestry to lead an RCMP division.
"I have always appreciated the importance of the education system and how it contributes to the success of individuals, and more broadly, communities," Mirasty said. "I also appreciate that not everyone has achieved success within the education system and have often wondered why. I am very pleased to have been asked to be a co-advisor for Student First and look forward to engaging with students, parents and teachers across the province, as this is a great opportunity to hear from those who have been participants in the education system."
"I am honoured to act as a co-advisor for Student First, which focuses our work on who matters the most - our students," Prowse said. "Throughout my career as an educator, I have understood the importance of working with students and their families. Collaboration and communication are vital to understanding our students' needs and helping them succeed, and I am looking forward to hearing from students, parents and teachers and being inspired by their ideas."
Regional advisory groups will support the work of the Student First advisors, and will include a student, teacher, parent and sector representative.
The advisors will begin working with regional advisory groups immediately to coordinate the consultation process and start gathering feedback from the public. More specific details about the consultations will be provided in the coming weeks once they have been determined.
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