New Westminster, B.C. (August 3, 2018) – As part of its Our Schools, Our City – Together platform, the New Westminster Progressives (NWP) school board trustee candidates are making a commitment to develop and pursue a comprehensive “Technology and Innovation in Learning Strategy” for New Westminster schools – called New West Schools 2022.
The New West Schools 2022 strategy focuses on making New Westminster schools leaders in technology and innovation, leveraging high-tech resources to help students be more engaged in learning, think critically and better explore their creativity. The focus will also be using technology resources to enable, help and empower teachers. This includes building on the progress the district has already made over the last few years in improving and modernizing Wi-Fi infrastructure, and bringing new computers and equipment into the classroom.![\"\"](\"http://nwprogressives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/NWSS-school.jpg\")
“Our kids are going to graduate and enter a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy that is vastly different from when we entered the workforce. The rapid pace of technology change has major implications on how we work, connect and relate with one another, which requires a different approach to learning,” says Cyrus Sy, candidate for school board trustee.
“I believe that all of our students and teachers should have access to the best technology learning resources and programs available. We need to expand opportunities and programs for kids to help them find their passion in learning, especially in the areas of science, math, arts, and trades to better prepare our students for a rapidly changing world.”
Sy is a professional engineer and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience, working in a Top 10 B.C. technology company. His business acumen and technology skills give him the foresight to see the bigger picture, and the insight and focus to understand the challenges that schools face in this increasingly technology dependent world.
In 2014, the Board of Education for School District No. 40 (New Westminster) commissioned a report “Teaching and Learning in Diverse Classrooms: A District Blueprint for Learning Success.” One of the four key themes was the use of technology as a transformational educational tool for learning and teaching to develop a strategic plan focused on employing those technologies to optimize learning for students.
New West Schools 2022 advances this key theme and brings together the community to ensure every child can realize their full potential, and recognize the role that technology plays to enable learning.
New West School 2022 Three Pillars:
- Access & Equipment
- Ensure schools are equipped with the latest technology, equipment and infrastructure
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- Ensure there is equity amongst the schools and reduce dependency on Parent Advisory Committee’s to fund and get access to technology and equipment.
Learning & Support
- Ensure all teachers get the necessary training and support to inspire and engage students with the new curriculum; and meet diverse learning needs through assistive technology, and supporting differentiated instruction
- Encourage broad use of technology in all areas of science, tech, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs
Connections & Partnerships
- Pursue new and deeper connections with the city, industry, and post-secondary institutions (Douglas College, BCIT, SFU, UBC) to create joint apprenticeship and learning opportunities, and/or support with contribution of equipment or resources.
- Explore ways to expand or build on existing internships or programs and encourage young entrepreneurs to explore and test out new ideas.
New West Schools 2022 strategy will be developed in collaboration with the District Board, staff and teachers, parents, as well as with the City of New Westminster to support economic development, and ensure New West is a leader in innovation to attract and retain skilled workers and businesses.
“The New Westminster School District can become a model for 21st century learning across B.C., by focusing on innovation and technology to enable ALL students to realize their full potential and thrive in a knowledge-based 21st century economy,” concludes Sy.
Click here to visit the Cyrus Sy for School Trustee website. If you want to attend our campaign office official opening on August 13th click here to RSVP.
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