Statement from Minister Kent on Independent Education Review Panel’s Fall Interim Report

Minister of Education Scott Kent has issued the following statement:  

“In March, our government appointed an independent four-member panel to review the Department of Education and identify opportunities to strengthen supports for learners, families, educators and school communities across the Yukon.

"The aim of this review is to support the long-term wellbeing of Yukoners by continuing to put learners at the centre of the education system.

“Over the past several months, the panel has continued engaging with Yukoners, reviewing research and examining how education services are delivered across the territory. The panel has now provided its fall interim report.

“I have reviewed the report and appreciate the panel’s ongoing work. Phase two highlights opportunities to remove barriers for First Nations students, strengthen government-to-government relationships with First Nations, improve accountability for existing commitments, support educator recruitment and professional growth, address staffing challenges in rural schools and ensure resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

“I encourage Yukoners to read the fall interim report and continue sharing their experiences and perspectives with the panel until the end of November.

“In its final phase, the panel will bring together feedback from engagement activities, survey results, research and previous reports to develop final recommendations for a more equitable, responsive, accountable and student-centred education system.

“I thank the panel members for their dedication to this important work and look forward to their final recommendations.”