Inspiring Education Fall Forum demonstrates commitment to working together
Participants explore collaborative leadership model
Edmonton... Approximately 1,000 Albertans will continue to help shape the future of education in the province through the Inspiring Education Fall Forum, October 18-20, in Edmonton. The forum, featuring renowned keynote speakers and roundtable discussions, is the next step after the community conversations sessions held across the province last spring.
“For a number of years, we have been working towards a more shared leadership model for learning in Alberta and the Inspiring Education initiative is an important part. We are asking forum participants about their vision of the future and what will an educated Albertan need 20 years from now,” said Education Minister Dave Hancock. “The fall forum moves us closer to reaching some common understanding how Albertans see their future.”
Over the last several months, through the Inspiring Education initiative, more than 2,000 Albertans have gathered in various locations to talk about their past learning experiences and their hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. Albertans participated at 10 government-hosted sessions, community and personal conversations organized by a variety of groups, and online discussions.
“As we look 20 years into the future, we need to think more holistically about education, how it is delivered and the needs of our students,” said Hancock. “An important outcome is to have people be engaged and talking about the benefits of education long after the dialogue has concluded.”
Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans is led by a Steering Committee representing a range of perspectives, co-chaired by Athabasca-Redwater MLA Jeff Johnson and Edmonton teacher Brent McDonough. Membership includes three additional MLAs and 17 other individuals from across the province. The project is also supported by a Working Committee, with membership from education stakeholder groups and representatives from several provincial government departments.
The forum will help inform development of a policy and governance framework by the project’s Steering Committee and revising the School Act.
Summaries of the spring community conversations as well as more information on the dialogue and the fall forum are available at www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca
