September 8 is International Literacy Day, a time to recognize the importance of literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and development and as a matter of human rights and dignity.
Literacy and numeracy are two important skills that develop during early childhood. They are a key component of student success, and the Government of Yukon is committed to improving these skills for students across the territory.
As part of this commitment, working groups on literacy and numeracy have put forth recommendations for culturally responsive teaching methods that are based on the latest research. These working groups included teachers and administrators from Yukon schools, as well as other education partners and stakeholders.
These recommendations have shaped the creation of two guiding documents: A Culturally Responsive Yukon Literacy Strategy; and A Culturally Responsive Yukon Numeracy Strategy. Both documents are mandatory strategies for schools operated by Yukon Education. The Yukon government will provide educators with ongoing support, resources and professional development to ensure the strategies are fully implemented.
Teaching literacy is a complex task, and there is no single approach that works for all students. Ongoing research is providing new insights into how students learn to read, understand language and communicate meaning. These evidence-based approaches may require educators to use new methods for teaching literacy skills, particularly in reading instruction.
The literacy strategy shares several similarities with the First Nation School Board's Literacy Plan, such as adding support and resources to introduce structured literacy practices in K-3 classrooms.
Much like literacy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching numeracy. The newly developed numeracy strategy provides more support and resources for teachers to employ a multi-faceted, holistic and student-centered approach using current best practices for teaching numeracy. This strategy harmonizes with the student diversity in our classrooms.
As it implements these strategies the Yukon government will continue to collaborate with its internal and external partners and stakeholders.
International Literacy Day is a reminder that literacy and numeracy are essential to student success and personal growth. Our government recognizes this, and we have developed these strategies in collaboration with educators, partners in education and community stakeholders. These living documents reflect the latest research and best practices in the field, emphasizing a holistic and flexible approach to teaching these fundamental skills. More than guidelines, they are mandatory blueprints for Yukon Education schools. As we roll these out, our government pledges unwavering support to our educators through resources and professional development. Together, we will lay a stronger foundation for lifelong learning across the territory.
Minister of Education Jeanie McLean
Implementation of key activities for both plans will begin in the 2023-24 school year and continue through to full implementation by 2025-26.
Annual review processes and quality assurance measures will be in place.
The plans will be implemented across all schools overseen by Yukon Education, with an emphasis on open communication and collaboration with our partners.
Yukon Education schools are those schools not operated by the First Nation School Board or the Commission scolaire francophone du Yukon.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Michael Edwards
Communications, Education
867-332-1364
michael.edwards@yukon.ca