Province investing $6.7-million to help students succeed in school

The province is rolling out a new program designed to help students succeed in school. The Kids and Learning First program promises $6.7 million in funding that will go directly to the classroom.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex says that will include some curriculum changes.

"Succeeding in Reading will expand into grade two and three," she says. "Students will soon learn the same Math curriculum used in leading Western provinces. Grade nine will be reviewed to help keep students interested and motivated, and to better prepare them for high school."

The Kids and Learning First program, made up of 39 initiatives, will also double the number of high schools offering skilled-trades courses, and will ensure all teachers are appropriately matched with the courses they teach.

"We recognize it is an ambitious plan," Jennex says. "But it is a plan that students, teachers and parents deserve."

While unveiling the new program at J.L. Ilsley High School Friday morning, Jennex also said the province will work with teachers to develop standards for quality instruction.

Critics say they're worried about what the province will have to cut to come up with the $6.7 million to fund the changes.

"If you're going to expand, you should be looking at where you're going to get the dollars to do that," says Liberal Education critic Karen Casey. "$6.7-million is a long cry from what it will take to implement those programs in the schools where they're needed.

Implementation of all 39 initiatives in the Kids and Learning First program will happen over the next three years. Some expansions and curriculum changes have already begun.