I am pleased to present the Ministry of Education's 2004/05 to 2006/07 Service Plan. This plan continues the government's work to improve student achievement in British Columbia's schools. Priorities this year will include literacy, safety, implementation of more flexible graduation requirements, and encouraging healthy lifestyles and physical activity in our schools.

The ministry is focused on our overarching goal of encouraging improved student achievement, increased choices available to students, and increased parental involvement in children's education. We believe these three initiatives are key to helping students across B.C. reach their full potential and become tomorrow's successful citizens.

The government has provided significant autonomy to school districts as we believe that locally elected school trustees are in the best position to set the educational priorities for their communities. Improved accountability measures, including satisfaction surveys, accountability contracts, and district reviews, are proving to be effective tools to assist school districts in determining what they are doing well and where their efforts need to be adjusted. These measures are also providing invaluable information to assist the Ministry of Education in assessing the overall performance of the education system in British Columbia.

School Planning Councils have provided an effective tool to ensure teachers, parents, students and school leaders are working together to focus on enhancing student achievement in individual schools. As part of the Achieve BC initiative launched by the Premier in 2003, the government is encouraging improved student achievement by providing additional information for students, parents and teachers.

School Districts from all parts of British Columbia have responded to the government's encouragement to develop new programs and choice schools to accommodate the diverse needs of students. The new graduation requirements will allow students to focus on courses that reflect their interests while ensuring all graduates have a strong base of knowledge to prepare them for their futures. These initiatives better accommodate programs in skills and trades training and, working with the new Industry Training Authority established by the Minister of Advanced Education, schools are placing students a step ahead in obtaining skills training.

As British Columbians, we are fortunate to have one of the best public education systems in the world. To continue to meet the needs of students in a world that changes quickly, we must always look forward and strive to improve. This service plan explains how we will continue to develop British Columbia's high quality education system and ensure that our students are provided the best possible start in life after graduation.

Honourable Tom Christensen
Minister of Education

February 4, 2004