Better schools for BC

The broad aim of the public education system should be to foster the growth and development of every individual, to the end that she or he will become and be a self-reliant, self-disciplined, participating member with a sense of social and environmental responsibility within a democratic, pluralistic society. [...] We know that a child’s performance in school is strongly related to socio-economic status and that a good education is often the only means of breaking the cycle of poverty for poor children. [...] BC is home to the highest average wealth in Canada and has the largest gap between the wealthiest and poorest households. [...] In BC, a comprehensive approach is needed, not only to boost the income of adults living in poverty, but also to build the social infrastructure, public services, and assets that are vital to providing a path out of poverty and improving quality of life— particularly for children living in poverty. [...] In the information age, we need more teacher-librarians, not fewer, to support information literacy initiatives in the broadest sense and to engage children in the joy of reading and learning.