• In many communities, educators and others expressed concern over high school leaving rates as high as 40%.

• For many, school has not been a positive experience. Kids haven’t fit in. Reportedly, some have been abused.

Caliber of Teachers’ Skills…

“Up to grade 4, children learn to read. After that, they must read to learn.” – Educator during Consultation

• Throughout the consultation, we heard the concern expressed that teachers are not “reading teachers” and that there needs to be professional development programs to teach teachers how to teach reading and literacy.

• Several School District representatives explained that teachers teach reading up to grade 3 and that, after that, they focus on the content of the curriculum rather than the process of reading and learning. They feel this has to change.

• As well, several people expressed concern over the disparity in the quality of instruction that occurs from school to school – even within a single School District.

Delivery Issues and Educational Reform …

“An industrial paradigm was applied to education and it was studied in pieces rather than with a holistic approach … It became ‘information dispensing’ instead of ‘knowledge creation’. Only when values, context and meaning are considered will learning start.” – Educator During Consultation

“The problem lies with the education system. It is more like commodity production – getting people through the system – and that should not be the focus. Students should be able to work at their own pace. It’s quality, not quantity.” – Employer in the Supplemental Business/Labour Telephone Survey

“The Ministry of Education doesn’t let students fail – but in the business world you can fail, and there are consequences.” – Business Representative During the Consultation

BC Leaders’ Survey

“If we as a society had unlimited dollars to spend, how do you think we could best increase the literacy of Canadians? That is, what do you think the most effective strategy would be?”

NOTE: As many respondents gave more than one answer, percentages do not total 100%