As students head back to school this week, a new online homework website and after-school tutoring pilot project will provide more opportunities for them to succeed in the classroom. This announcement was made by Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum.
“We all know that learning doesn’t end when students walk out the classroom door. We recognize that additional homework supports can make the difference between simply handing assignments in on time and really learning at home, with the support of the parents and family,” said Minister Allum.
The My Learning at Home website for students in grades 5 to 8 features links to videos and engaging lessons that help explain challenging math and science concepts, which can also assist parents in helping their children with homework, the minister said.
As part of this initiative, a pilot project is being launched in the Pembina Trails School Division and Division scolaire franco-manitobaine to offer online after-school tutoring services in math for grade 7 and 9 students.
“We are pleased that Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning continues to value and provide engaging resources for families of children attending school in Manitoba,” said Naomi Kruse, executive director, Manitoba Association of Parent Councils. “We encourage all education stakeholders to carefully consider what supports families need to support student learning and success at home as well as in the community.”
Also new for the 2015-16 school year, the province is piloting new English and French language arts curricula for kindergarten to Grade 8 students. The new curricula set high expectations for Manitoba students and provide direction to teachers by identifying learning goals for reading, writing and other forms of literacy, the minister said, adding implementation support for teachers will include a range of professional learning opportunities.
Minister Allum noted that although foundational skills will remain a focus in Manitoba’s language arts curricula, 21st-century learning environments require students to be flexible learners who can problem solve, communicate effectively and understand many different types of texts.
The province will also continue to work with schools to ensure a strong focus on foundational skills by enhancing teacher education, providing more support for teachers and students in their early years.
In recent years, the Manitoba government has introduced a number of initiatives to strengthen education in the province including:
- building new schools in growing communities;
- constructing additions and renovating classrooms to accommodate smaller classes;
- adding new gyms, and renovating and building new science labs;
- revising the kindergarten to Grade 8 math curriculum;
- implementing an assessment policy to ensure more rigorous standards in school;
- introducing a new curriculum website for parents;
- providing a provincial report card, now implemented province-wide; and
- bringing in anti-bullying legislation and establishing a Safe Schools Charter and codes of conduct for all schools.
