Yellowknife — January 24, 2020
Elected education leaders from across the Northwest Territories met this week for the first time with R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, to discuss their joint work to further strengthen the territory’s Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system.
Minister Simpson opened the meeting by expressing his pride in being named Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and his dedication to working in partnership with education bodies in the territory. He also reflected on the prominence that education holds for the new government, noting several priorities identified by the 19th Legislative Assembly that focus on education. The Minister said he is looking forward to hearing the many ideas the Board Chairs have as they work together for even greater improvements to student achievement across all grade levels.
Participants met to review current work and to plan for future initiatives. Participants included Chairs and Superintendents representing the territory’s Divisional Education Councils (DECs) and District Education Authorities (DEAs). A focal point for the day was the discussion of the NWT’s major Education Renewal and Innovation (ERI) initiative. Education leaders reviewed key successes to date, from Child and Youth Care Counselling to Residential School Awareness Training for teachers, and endorsed other promising initiatives underway or planned for ERI.
Student achievement continues to be a key focus for both the Department and education leaders, with existing and proposed programs and activities dedicated to improving student and teacher wellness, achieving educational equity for small communities, strengthening assessment and accountability, and improving the quality of curriculum.
Recognizing the unique needs of communities across the north, Minister Simpson reiterated his commitment to work collaboratively with other GNWT Departments, partners, and agencies to ensure the needs of children and youth are met across the education system. The Minister also committed to reviewing the education priorities presented to him by the education leaders.
Chairs of the Sahtu DEC and the Tlicho Community Services Agency (TCSA) concluded the day’s business by sharing successes and challenges from their regions.
The next meeting of education leaders with Minister Simpson is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 2020.
Quotes
“Increasing student outcomes in the Northwest Territories to the same level as the rest of Canada is a key priority for the 19th Legislative Assembly, and one that is shared by our dedicated and passionate team of education leaders. I am pleased with our productive discussions today and look forward to continuing to work together with our education bodies to support NWT students on a journey toward improved wellness and academic success.”
-R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“We are pleased to welcome Minister Simpson to our table and we look forward to working closely with him on behalf of students, teachers and educational stakeholders. Collaborating across jurisdictions is essential to achieve success in our shared work.”
-Erin Currie, Chair of Yellowknife Catholic Schools and meeting host, on behalf of education leaders
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