The Alberta Government, under the Ministry of Education, has created a new initiative called Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans. The aim of this 'conversation' is to discuss with Albertans their expectations for Alberta's education system and to create an education system that will carry Albertans into the future. The project is being chaired by Jeff Johnson, Minister for Athabasca-Redwater, and Edmonton schoolteacher, Brent McDonough.

In his response to the Speech from the Throne, Education Minister Dave Hancock commented on the importance of preparing Albertans for the knowledge-based economy and the role that education plays in the whole community.

In detailing the Inspiring Education initiative, Hancock noted it is "both a process and a product, an invigoration of learning in our province and a legacy to leave the next generation."

He explains further that, "we must develop a broadly accepted and clear understanding of what it will mean to be an educated Albertan 20 years from now, and we must look beyond our immediate needs and interests to develop a policy framework which describes the overall direction, principles, and long-term goals for education in Alberta over the next two decades."

Part of this initiative recognizes the already existing diversity of Alberta's education system, in which Catholic schools are included. Because publicly-funded Catholic schools are such an integral part of Alberta's education system, the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association is encouraging all its member boards and their stakeholders to participate in the initiative and continue to reflect the unique position of Catholic schools through their distinct approach of highlighting both Gospel values and sacramental life in education.

Community conversation sessions for the Inspiring Education initiative will be held as follows:

• April 29, 2009 - Edmonton
• May 6, 2009 - Grande Prairie
• May 13, 2009 - Fort McMurray
• May 20, 2009 - Lethbridge
• May 23, 2009 - Calgary
• May 27, 2009 - Medicine Hat
• June 3, 2009 - Bonnyville
• June 10, 2009 - Red Deer
• June 17, 2009 - Calgary
• June 20, 2009 - Edmonton
• October 18-20, 2009 - Provincial Conversation, Edmonton

You must register to attend a community conversation session. There is also an opportunity to host an Inspiring Education event in your own community using a Community Conversation kit.

Finally, Inspiring Education has created a Twitter account, which will enable you to receive updates on the dialogue.

To find out more about the initiative, to register to attend a community conversation session or to obtain a Community Conversation kit please visit the Inspiring Education website at www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca.

Speak Out Initiative

In addition to the Inspiring Education dialogue, Alberta Education has also launched a student-centred initiative called Speak Out.

The aim of Speak Out is to allow Alberta students to speak directly to the issues that are facing them in their schools. To find out more about this project visit their website at www.speakout.alberta.ca.