April 15, 2013
Manitobans Encouraged to Celebrate Education Week April 15 to 19
– – –Manitoba's Graduation Rate Continues to Rise: Allan
New data shows the provincial graduation rate for high school students continued to increase in 2012 with more than 84.1 per cent of students in the province graduating, staying in school and getting the education they need to further their education or participate in the province’s economy. Education Minister Nancy Allan made the announcement today at Dr. F. W. L. Hamilton School as she declared April 15 to 19 Education Week in Manitoba.
“All parents want their children to succeed. Now, more than ever, success depends on education. A good education allows young people to write their own ticket in life and our strong education system will ensure Manitoba continues to grow and thrive,” said Allan. “Our government has made education a priority and invested heavily in our children’s education to help improve high school graduation rates through numerous initiatives including expanding skills training opportunities and increasing apprenticeship seats.”
The minister noted, Manitoba has seen the number of students graduating from high school increase by 18.3 per cent since 2002, a significant increase from that year when the provincial graduation rate was just 71.1 per cent.
“In today’s knowledge-based economy we need to help all of our students find the path to success,” she said.
Manitoba’s strategy to improve graduation rates includes:
- funding education at or above the rate of economic growth for 14 consecutive years, an increase of $440.5 million or 57.1 per cent since 1999;
- passing legislation to keep children in school until they are 18 years old or graduate;
- introducing stay-in-school co-ordinator grants to help school divisions reach every student;
- partnering with the Manitoba Association of Parent Councils to improve school attendance; and
- expanding skills training opportunities and increasing apprenticeship seats.
To officially launch Education Week, the minister was joined by representatives from the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS), the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) and the Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA). Education Week is an annual event celebrated by school boards and schools across the province. It is a time for students, teachers and parents to celebrate teaching excellence and student achievement, the minister said.
“Schools continue to be the focal point of our communities and provide informative, exciting lessons and engaging activities that connect with students of all ages,” said Norm Gould, vice-president of MTS. “That connection is important to us and to everyone who believes in public schools.”
“As educators we are all responsible for helping students learn by making sure they have the books, computers and classrooms they need,” said Robert Rivard, past president of the MSBA. “We are also responsible for making sure that all students want to keep learning, and that’s what Education Week is all about.”
“MASS welcomes Education Week as a great celebration of the value and potential of each and every one of the children we care for”, said Robert Chartrand, president of MASS. “Along with parents and all of our educational partners, we are committed to providing a quality educational experience for all that is equitable, inclusive and highly engaging.”
“Education plays an important role in the growth and success of Manitoba and its students – our future leaders,” said Allan. “Education Week reminds us that Manitoba’s education system benefits from strong partnerships between government, teachers, parents, and school divisions. We are committed to working with our partners to help our children get a strong start in school and life.”
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, the Manitoba School Boards Association, the Manitoba Teachers' Society and the Government of Manitoba.