Minister of Education Chester Gillan says he is pleased, Lighting the Way, a recent report on knowledge assessment methodology in Prince Edward Island, supports the directions being taken by the PEI Department of Education.
The report, Lighting the Way, was commissioned by the US National Research Council and coordinated by the Institute of Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. The study is part of a program to identify a model for exploring the potential of a country for adopting and using technology to find a niche in the global marketplace. Prince Edward Island was selected as a pilot project for the methodology.
According to Minister Gillan, the strengths of the province, as identified in Lighting the Way, are the same ones the education system is reinforcing. These include the unique culture and heritage, the sense of self and the need to be able to compete in a global environment. Minister Gillan noted that the issues which the province itself has identified as needing change were also consistent with the observations made in the report. He also stated the department is making significant strides in addressing these areas. The recent showing of Island students in the Canada-wide School Achievement Indicators (SAIP) tests indicates that Island education is comparable with the achievements in other provinces. In addition, the University of Prince Edward Island now offers a graduate degree program in education.
The key educational factors noted in the study include: the importance of technological literacy, stimulation of entrepreneurship, and the training and retention of the most talented and energetic students. Minister Gillan pointed out the province is making many advances in developing the technological capability of both teachers and students which will support the province's development. In addition, many schools have successfully implemented an entrepreneurship program developed by the department. Finally, work is underway in the third area, with a survey of recent post-secondary graduates which is part of a strategy to bring talented Islanders back to Prince Edward Island.
The report, Lighting the Way, received financial assistance in part from the Knowledge Economy Partnership.