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Released on February 28, 2014 by the Ministry of Education 

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan launched the Student First online engagement tool to assist in collecting input and feedback on the education sector in Saskatchewan.  The tool, which is available to the public, includes the opportunity to provide written submissions and take part in surveys.

Over the past three months, Student First advisors Russ Mirasty and Patricia Prowse have been travelling across the province.  To date, they have taken part in 54 engagement forums, heard from more than 400 students, parents/caregivers and teachers, held 10 sessions with key educational organization representatives, and will continue these engagements over the coming months.

"Our Student First advisors have been doing a tremendous job on the road, visiting more than 16 communities and speaking with hundreds of students, parents, teachers and education partners, but they recognize that they can't get to everyone," Education Minister Don Morgan said.  "This online engagement tool will ensure they have the ability to hear from even more people."

Emerging themes include the importance of relationships between schools, families and communities; supporting each student by their individual need to ensure their success; a shared responsibility for student well-being between schools, families and communities; and a need for healthy, culturally-affirming learning environments that are free of bullying and violence.

The need for additional teacher supports such as curriculum and teaching resources, technology and professional development, have also been raised.

Student First is about unifying and reorienting the education system on what matters most - the student.  The engagements, both in-person and online, focus on what's going well, what's not, and how the education sector can better support students and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed.

"We're getting a better picture of the education sector, shared themes, and what we need to do to unify our work and our goals," Morgan said.  "I'm excited to hear more from our advisors as they continue on their journey, and to apply what we learn to the shared work of the ministry and sector."

To use the online engagement tool and provide feedback, please visit www.studentfirstsk.ca.

To learn more about Student First, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/studentfirst.

For more information, contact:

Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email:  kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506