New Brunswick has unveiled how it plans to implement recommendations to improve the anglophone education system.

Education Minister Bill Hogan released an implementation and accountability framework on Tuesday morning.

“The actions we will be taking to implement the long-term recommendations are clear, practical and manageable,” Hogan said in a news release.

“I am extremely proud of the work undertaken to date in developing this road map to guide us forward in building a better education system.”

Last fall, a steering committee consisting of educators, students, and other key groups released 11 recommendations aimed at improving the anglophone education system.

One of the main recommendations that came from the committee was developing a provincial action plan to address “chronic absenteeism” among students.

Another focuses on addressing the issue of “social promotion” — the practice of advancing students to the next grade regardless of their academic achievement.

The report also recommended developing a new classroom composition model and a reasonable timeline to implement an improved inclusive and equitable system.

Other recommendations in the report included:

• Improving retention and recruitment of qualified teachers and specialized health service professionals in education.
• Establishing a clear plan for strengthening French language learning, including expanding course options and opportunities for high school students, and exploring options for students to enter French immersion with greater flexibility based on readiness.
• Encouraging movement and getting outside, including embedding 30 minutes of physical education for K-8 daily in addition to outdoor education opportunities.
• Leveraging technology to enhance learning and personalization.
• Supporting educational assistants in receiving dedicated training, professional learning, and opportunities to further collaborate with teachers to support the changing needs of students.
• Ensuring teachers who work with early readers have specific training designed to maximize the development and outcomes of these students.

Department staff have assessed the work and resources needed to develop and plan a timeline for each recommendation.

Project teams associated with each recommendation will soon begin their work, according to the province, which involves consulting with stakeholders involved in the education system.

The department said progress on the recommendations will be shared online regularly as part of the accountability framework.