Terms of Reference
Context
- The education system in Manitoba covers a vast geographical area and serves a wide range of communities that are linguistically and culturally rich and diverse: First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities; Francophone and other linguistic/ethnic communities; newcomers from across the globe.
- Public education is a fundamental element of a democratic society and is integral to the fabric and character of Canadian society. Its purpose is to serve the best educational interest of all students, regardless of their abilities, personal or family circumstances, or where they live.
- The Government of Manitoba is committed to improving student outcomes by creating an education system that has high standards for educators, high expectations for student learning, relevant curriculum, excellence in governance and a sustainable fiscal framework.
- Students and excellence in student outcomes must be the central focus.
Establishing a Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) education represents a long overdue opportunity to build on strengths but also to identify the changes needed in creating a system that can achieve better outcomes for students and reflects the economic and societal needs of Manitobans.
Mandate
The Commission will carry out an independent review of the K-12 education system to improve outcomes for students, ensure long-term sustainability and enhance public confidence. The Commission will:
- propose a renewed vision for K-12 education.
- make bold recommendations to ignite change within existing systems, structures and programs which inspire excellence in teaching and learning.
- consider the continuum of early learning, post-secondary education and labour market needs as part of an integrated lifelong learning approach.
The review will be informed through extensive and transparent public consultations, supported by research and best practices. The Commission will seek the input of students, parents, educators, school boards, academics, Indigenous organizations, la francophonie, municipal councils, professional organizations, the business community and members of the public.
Areas of Focus
- Long-term vision – What should the goals and purpose of K-12 education be in a rapidly changing world?
- Student learning – What are the conditions required to achieve excellence in student achievement and outcomes in Manitoba?
- Teaching – How can teachers and school leaders become most effective?
- Accountability for student learning – How can the education system develop a stronger sense of shared accountability for student learning?
- Governance – What type of governance structures are needed to create a coordinated and relevant education system?
- Funding – What actions are required to ensure that the education system is sustainable and provides equitable learning opportunities for all children and youth?
Guiding Principles
The work of the Commission will be guided by the following principles:
- Student centered – As a key focus of this review is to improve student achievement and student outcomes, the work of the Commission is to be centered on children and youth and on the conditions necessary to support their educational success.
- Culturally responsive – Respecting diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, la francophonie, and newcomers, valuing the critical relationships between language and culture.
- Building on success – The work of the Commission will build on the strengths of the existing system and will identify the areas requiring attention, improvement and change.
- Open, engaging and accessible – All sectors of society will be encouraged to participate and provided with opportunities to have their voices heard.
- Evidence-informed – In addition to the voices and perspectives of Manitobans, the Commission will ground its recommendations in research and evidence of successful educational reform initiatives in other jurisdictions.
- Excellence – Recommendations will be developed with the intention of achieving a high quality education system and opportunities for all to aspire to excellence.
Deliverables and Timelines
The Commission will develop a discussion paper to frame the consultation process. A wide variety of public engagement approaches will be utilized, including public meetings, online surveys and social media to solicit broad and inclusive participation.
The preparatory work of the Commission began in December, 2018. Public engagement activities are anticipated to begin in early 2019. The Commission is to submit a final report to the Minister in February 2020. The report will include key findings and recommendations and is to be released publicly in March 2020.
This initiative will be supported by a small secretariat (Director, Senior Policy Analyst and Administrative Support) as well as by external consultants and researchers to be contracted on an as needed basis.
