After a year-long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manitoba government will be releasing the Manitoba K-12 Education Review and its response to the report on Monday, March 15 at 3:30 p.m., Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced on March 12, adding the response strategy will set a path to creating a classroom-focused, student-centred and parent-friendly education system.
“The province’s K to 12 commission was tasked with the goal of transforming Manitoba’s education system into a modern, responsive and ambitious educational system,” said Cullen. “Manitoba’s current education system is not working for students. Manitoba is one of the highest-spending provinces on education and getting among the lowest student achievement results in the country.”
In 2019, the Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education began an independent review of the kindergarten to Grade 12 education system with the goal of improving outcomes for students, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhancing public confidence. The review was informed through extensive and transparent public consultations, supported by research and learning from best practices. The commission received input of students, parents, educators, school boards, academics, Indigenous organizations, la francophonie, municipal councils, professional organizations, the business community and members of the public.
“When we release the new strategy next week, you will see how it will improve outcomes and achievement for all students across the province,” said Cullen. “It will lay out the plan and vision to equip teachers and administrators with the tools they need to be successful, build consistency and coherence across the province, direct more resources into teaching and learning, and give parents opportunities to be much more involved in their children’s education.”
Since 2016, the Manitoba government has been laying the groundwork for building the country’s most improved education system, the minister said. The government has made a record investment of $1.35 billion into education in 2021-22 and has committed to a funding guarantee of $1.6 billion in the next four years. The province is also on track to fulfil its 20 New Schools Guarantee with six schools already open, two expected to go to tender in the spring of this year and four beginning design work in 2021-22, Cullen noted. The remaining eight schools are expected to be designed and completed ahead of the original 10-year commitment, he added.
“Manitobans deserve a high-quality, world-class education system and we are going to make the right investments, put in place the proper resources and supports for teachers, and put students first,” said Cullen.
