The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce invites members of the public to attend a panel discussion on February 8th titled Let’s Talk K-12 Education– A conversation challenging the status quo of PEI’s education system. Over the past number of years, members of the Chamber, who are entrepreneurs, business leaders, employers, and parents, have raised concerns about PEI’s K-12 educational outcomes. Concerns have focused on provincial assessment results as well as a lack of preparedness for post-secondary education and the workplace. The event will be held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the panel beginning at 5:00 p.m.
“Ensuring our students have the skills they need for future success is an important determinant of current and future economic sustainability. Our members know that the quality of our education system and the economic well-being of our province are closely intertwined.” said Rory Francis, President of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. “This event is intended to challenge the status quo and facilitate an open and constructive discussion about K-12 education and the potential of our Island students.”
Panelists will include Dr. Paul Bennett- Founding Director of Schoolhouse Institute, Amber Jadis – Founder of the PEI STEAM program, local business owner and educational practitioner with Bricks4Kids, and Dr. Tess Miller –Associate Professor with UPEI’s Faculty of Education. The panel will be moderated by Dawn Binns, BEd, MAEd- Partner, Insight Branding & Marketing Studio and Chair of the Chamber’s Policy Committee.
“As a business organization we are one voice in a very complex system and we don’t contend to have all the answers; however with the varying backgrounds and perspectives from our panelists and through audience engagement, we hope to spark further conversation,” said Francis, “We hope through this and future discussions we can help stimulate positive change for our students.”
The event is free. Attendees are asked to register at www.charlottetownchamber.com
With close to 1,000 members, the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce reflects a diverse network of small, medium and large businesses from almost every industry sector and business profession.
