People for Education: 2009 Report

Here's to the awesome 2009 People for Education Report! Entitled "Wanted: A Renewed Vision for Public Education," the document addresses the need for change in Ontario schools in order to better prepare our students for how their lives will be beyond high school.

Addressing everything from class size and declining enrollment, to principals' experience, to special ed., physical education and libraries, this is a serious look at what is working and what is needed to better the system.

Enter the section entitled "Educating for the 21st Century." Asserting that there is "a tidal wave of change approaching Ontario’s publicly-funded education system," the report goes on to talk about, in no uncertain terms, the importance (and inter-relatedness) of technology, innovation & creativity, and social connection; "For too long Ontario has been operating without a vision for education that is truly forward-thinking."

"Our educational model has looked pretty well the same for the last 160 years. If anything, over the last few decades, the model has become more, rather than less, restricted. It’s time public education caught up to the reality of the 21st century."

I like this, mostly because its true.

Now if we can just get governments, school boards, and teachers to take the implications of this report seriously -- and act on it's recommendations -- we'll be well on our way towards adequately preparing students for their likely futures...