On the eve of Education Week, Education Minister George Abbott spoke with student leaders at the spring meeting of BC Student Voice to highlight successes from BC's Education Plan, promote student engagement and announce that $10.7 million in new funding will support the plan by helping school districts enhance foundational skills like reading.

The funding is ear-marked to support struggling readers in the K-12 grades.

The EdChat program, also launched today, offers an informal way for small groups of students to gather in person or online, discuss BC's Education Plan and share their vision for the future of education. Participants work within the five themes of the plan: personalized learning for every student, quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, high standards and learning empowered by technology. After each EdChat session students can submit their ideas directly to the ministry for review and consideration.

Abbott launched BC's Education Plan and its supporting website on Oct. 28, 2011 at the fall meeting of BC Student Voice. In the five months since the public engagement site went live, there have been more than 30,000 visits with approximately 1,200 people joining the online conversation about education and contributing close to 4,000 comments.

Quotes:

Education Minister George Abbott -

"The BC Education Plan has been a tremendous success and thousands of British Columbians are using this opportunity to make their voices heard and engage in a provincewide discussion about how we can improve our education system."

"I'm pleased to announce $10.7 million in new funding to support the plan by helping school districts to enhance foundation skills and support struggling readers. Foundation skills such as reading are incredibly important and this investment will help ensure that students receive the support they need to be successful."

"Students have the greatest stake in our education system and we want to hear from them about what we are doing well, what we can improve and what they would like to see done differently. By participating in EdChats or joining the discussion online, students have a chance to be actively involved in the decisions that affect their future."

Quick Facts:

BC Student Voice (BCSV) is a group of student leaders working in co-operation with educators who meet regularly to review provincial directions, gather support for regional initiatives and facilitate development of school and district student voices. Their mission is to empower students to address their needs, interests and concerns by strengthening, at all levels, the links among students and their partners in education.

Learn More:

• View BC's Education Plan and find out how you can get involved at: www.bcedplan.ca
• For EdChat participant and facilitator guides, visit: http://engage.bcedplan.ca/tool-kits/
• For further information on BC Student Voice, visit: bcstudentvoice.com

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963