Debates of November 29, 2007 (day 5)

Mr. Speaker, preliminary data shows there were 365 secondary school graduates in the NWT in 2006-2007, which is one less than the total number for 2005-2006 when we had the highest number of graduates.

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Of these graduates, 164 are aboriginal…

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…98 are from small communities, 83 are from regional centres and 184 are from Yellowknife. Final graduation numbers will be available at the end of December 2007 and I look forward to sharing those with you.

Graduation from high school is a key step in a successful career and life plan. Northwest Territories graduates participate in the same curriculum and diploma exams as their Alberta peers. Our students have demonstrated the ability to excel in these courses. As an example, this year, three northern students tied for the Ministerial Award for Academic Excellence in Pure Mathematics, with a score of 100 percent.

There are different course levels that lead towards graduation and it is important for students to begin thinking about their career goals and aspirations as early as in junior high. Early planning is necessary so that students take the courses and course levels that match their post-secondary goals, whether planning to attend college or university, entering a trade or going right into the workforce.

We need to work together as family and community members to ensure our young people and our returning mature students are motivated, supported and prepared to graduate and succeed. We all need to encourage students to attend class. Attendance is a key to success. Parents and family should talk to their children about plans for the future and should be involved in the career planning and course selection process.

At the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, we are working to find ways to share information with the

public about what is involved in course and career planning. Together, we can ensure that northern students have planned and prepared for an exciting future and that we have the right supports in place to help them succeed. Mahsi.

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