Editorials

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

One for Gerrard

By: editorial

Posted: 08/25/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

The first leaders debate of the election campaign that has yet to begin focused on education and the relative success of Manitoba's system. Manitoba's graduation rate, at about 80 per cent, is comparatively low in Canada and the opposition parties say that will change if they're in power.

All three leaders made promises designed to get support of the teachers' union, among the largest in the province. Premier Greg Selinger and Tory Leader Hugh McFadyen said the issue was class size and pledged to cut the number of students in the class, theoretically to give teachers more time to spend with each student. Mr. Selinger said he would cut class size in the early years, where it is critical.

Related Items

Videos
- First leaders debate
Articles
- Tories say they won't repeat Filmon cuts

No one promised more standards tests, a measure by which students' competence can be compared against expectations. It is a glaring omission in Manitoba, where there are provincial expectations for curriculum, but nothing until Grade 12 to hold schools and teachers accountable for the learning that goes on (or not) in classrooms. It sets this province apart in Canada and makes it difficult for parents and taxpayers to hold politicians and educators responsible.

Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard made the cogent argument that fixing what's wrong starts long before kids are at school writing tests and challenging exams. Mr. Gerrard said his party would ramp up assessment of children's competencies before they enter school.

The Liberal idea gets to the kids who most need the attention of the education system and the social supports that prepare children for a life of learning. Evidence is strong that deficits in learning are laid down in the toddler years. Mr. Gerrard should tell us more to pressure other parties to heed this good sense.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 25, 2011 A12

Fact Check

Have you found an error, or know of something we’ve missed in one of our stories? Please use the form below and let us know.

* Required

In which story did you find the error? *
Please post the headline of the story or the title of the video with the error.
What was the error? *
Please post exactly what was wrong with the story.
What should we have written?
Please indicate your source for the correct information.
Who else should we interview to improve this story?
Please include any contact information you may have.
Can we contact you in the future for advice on stories about this topic?
Yes

No
First Name: *
Last Name: *
E–mail Address: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Phone: *
This will only be used to contact you if we have a question about your submission, it will not be used to identify you or be published.
Colour:
Are you blue? If you can see this, leave it blank and get some CSS support.
Enter the words that you see: * This is to prevent our forms from being filled out automatically.
You have failed to correctly identify the words in the box above. Please try again.

More Editorials

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.