Released on November 21, 2019
Today, Education Minister Gordon Wyant released the membership of the class size and composition committee, which is scheduled to have its first meeting next week.
“The voice of parents, teachers, staff, leaders and Indigenous people was important as we worked to confirm membership on this committee,” Wyant said. “I am confident these individuals will help provide a path forward to address the challenges that exist in our classrooms.”
The committee will be chaired by Ministry of Education Deputy Minister Rob Currie.
Other ministry representatives are:
- Thomas Sierzycki, Northern Education Advisor
- Angella Pinay, Senior Indigenous Advisor
- Lynn Harper-Harris, Student Support Consultant
The Saskatchewan School Boards Association representation is President Dr. Shawn Davidson.
Members at large include:
- Dr. Michelle Prytula, Dean for the College of Education, University of Saskatchewan
- Brian Lach, parent and former superintendent and teacher
- Amy Redding, School Community Co-ordinator, Prairie Valley School Division
The committee will engage third-party expert, Dr. Andy Hargreaves, to assist in their work. Dr. Hargreaves is a world-renowned expert on Education policy and founder of the Atlantic Rim Collaboratory. Dr. Hargreaves will advise the committee on best practices that are used around the world.
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has declined an invitation to participate. The organization is welcome to nominate their representative at any point throughout the process.
“While six of the eight members are former teachers, I would welcome the Federation’s input at the table,” Wyant said.
The committee’s work will include a review of class size and student demographic and class composition trends in Saskatchewan Prekindergarten to Grade 12 provincial schools as well as a review of best practices cited in research and in other jurisdictions. The committee’s work will be used to create a framework to guide decisions on appropriate class size and composition within Saskatchewan classrooms.
The Deputy Minister of Education will also engage with other education sector stakeholders during the process to gain further input into class size and composition within Saskatchewan schools.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Hodges
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: chris.hodges@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306- 533-7506