Students urged to Speak Out about education in Alberta
Government launches the Alberta Student Engagement Initiative
Edmonton... Alberta students are being asked to provide their perspectives on education through the Speak Out – Alberta Student Engagement Initiative to help shape education in the province.
“Alberta’s youth must have a voice in the decisions that affect their learning and their futures,” said Minister of Education Dave Hancock. “Speak Out is an opportunity for students to tell us how we can offer education programs that are supportive, flexible and consistent with their needs.”
The Speak Out - Alberta Student Engagement Initiative offers a variety of opportunities for students to share their ideas and be actively engaged. These activities will occur over several months, culminating in the formation of the Minister of Education’s Student Advisory Council in spring 2009. Youth aged 14-19 from across Alberta can apply to become members of the Student Advisory Council, which will meet face-to-face with the Minister several times a year to discuss student concerns and ideas. In addition, a student conference will be held in May 2009, bringing together 200 youth from across the province to identify and discuss top issues in education.
Key to stimulating a student-driven dialogue is the launch of the fully interactive Speak Out website, www.speakout.alberta.ca . The website features moderated 24/7 discussion boards on topics such as effective learning styles, more flexible programming options for students and what changes students would like to see made in schools. The website also provides a wealth of information for students and describes how they can apply to the council or the conference.
To help create awareness and build momentum for Speak Out, a series of student forums are being held this fall in cooperation with select high schools across Alberta. Students are being asked to talk about their educational experience and identify what is working and not working for them in school. This feedback will be the starting point for discussion at the student conference. Additional forums are planned for February and March 2009.
