Nov. 21, 2016
The province says it will develop a long-term strategy aimed at improving literacy and numeracy in Manitoba.
The pledge was part of the Speech from the Throne on Nov. 21, opening the second session of the 41st Legislature.
Education was not a main thrust of the speech, which was a general outline of the government’s priorities over the coming years.
However, the speech said Manitoba student results in various assessments underscored the “need for all educational partners to focus on improving student achievement.
“Our government will focus on the fundamentals of a quality education, and will embark upon the development of a comprehensive long-term literacy and numeracy strategy that will provide Manitoba children with the skills they need to succeed and prosper.”
The government said the plan will involve consultation with educators and other educational partners from across the province.
“This initiative will recognize the unique and diverse makeup of Manitoba’s student population and will include a focus on education through the early years, investments in professional development for educators, support for school divisions and the development of curriculum that includes targets so that we are able to both measure and report upon our students’ improvements in literacy and numeracy.”
The province did telegraph that it has plans that could include wage freezes on public sector workers.
“Legislation will be introduced … to ensure that the province’s public sector costs do not exceed Manitobans’ ability to sustain the services they receive in return.”