News Release

Education research helps under-achieving students

Deans of Education promise the best in education research for Canada’s families

Business Announcement

Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

May 31, 2011 – Fredericton, NB – The leaders of Canada's university education departments came together today at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences in Fredericton, New Brunswick to commit to creating the knowledge, expertise and evidence needed to keep Canada's education system globally competitive.

The Association of Canadian Deans of Education released the Accord on Research in Education in which they commit to the best in education research – and to getting this research into the hands of policy-makers, teachers and administrators who need it.

This is essential, they argue, to ensuring Canadians benefit from new knowledge and understanding on how early childhood education can lead to future success in school and society, how sport affects our lives, and how adult education ensures learning doesn't stop when one leaves a formal school setting.

The Accord outlines the principles and commitments that will be upheld by those signing on and makes the case that future investment in education research is essential to advancing knowledge, building vibrant communities and fostering engaged citizens.

Dr. James Cummins from the University of Toronto will deliver a keynote speech at the event on his work analyzing the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) educational statistics. His study reveals that in many cases OECD data has supported educational policy-making. However, there is ample room for greater evidence-informed decision-making – to ensure students receive a high-quality education and that teachers are adequately prepared to educate students in culturally and linguistically diverse classrooms.

Cummins work is a call to action for the education community. Sound public policy, developed in the interest of students, parents and families, must be informed by strong research – not the latest educational fad or ideology.

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Get more from the 2011 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences

Organized by the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences brings together scholars, graduate students, practitioners, and policy-makers to share groundbreaking research and examine the most important social and cultural issues of the day. This year's Congress is co-hosted by the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University and runs from May 28 to June 4.

The Congress program includes original research from across disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, providing a great collection of expert sources and innovative story leads. If you are interested in accessing the latest research in the social sciences and humanities, please contact us to be added to our mailing list.

For more information or interview requests
Ryan Saxby Hill
rsaxbyhill@fedcan.ca
www.congress2011.ca
506-447-3176 (media room)
613-894-7635 (mobile)


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