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April 5, 2006
For immediate release

Home and School Federation Encourages Parent Involvement and Boys’ Literacy

Education

“Involved Parents - Successful Students” is the theme of the annual meeting of the PEI Home and School Federation which will be held Saturday, April 8 at the Charlottetown Hotel.

Following the business meeting, there will be a panel discussion where delegates may ask questions about the education system to the Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education; Dale Sabean, Western School Board superintendent; Michael Oulton, principal, Vernon River Consolidated School; and Phil Mateusiwicz, Eastern School District trustee.

After lunch there will be a special presentation by Dr. David Booth of the University of Toronto on “Boys and Literacy.” Dr. Booth is a sought-after speaker, educator and the author of many books on early literacy, including such popular titles as “Even Hockey Players Read.”

Dr. Booth will examine a variety of topics related to boys and literacy such as factors in the home that influence the literacy lives of boys, why boys select different reading materials than girls, and why girls score higher than boys on literacy tests.

Education Minister Mildred Dover advised that the issue of boys’ literacy is a significant one across Canada and in PEI. “Only one-third of university students are boys. Boys are generally 1 to 1½ full years behind girls in literacy skills, and more boys are disengaging from school,” said the minister. “This is one of the major challenges we are working to address as a provincial education system. I commend the Home and School Federation for engaging in these important issues, and for the many ways they support student achievement in PEI.”

The public is invited to attend the presentation on boys and literacy Saturday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charlottetown Hotel on Kent Street.

Martha Ellis, President of the PEI Home and School Federation, said the meeting will provide parents with the opportunity to learn more about their education system. “Staying involved in our children’s education from kindergarten to grade 12 ensures the support and encouragement that both our children and our educational partners need,” she said.

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Media Contact: Jean Doherty
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