Press Release - C21 Canada

C21 Canada Co-Founders Win Chair’s Global Best Partnership Award

By admin On June 30, 2016 · Add Comment · In Press Release

C21 Canada Co-Founders Win Chair’s Global Best Partnership Award

– To be Presented at IEPN Conference in Oslo, Norway –

Robert Martellacci, President C21 Canada David Roberts, Past President C21 Canada

Toronto, ON, June 27, 2016: C21 Canada — Supporting the accelerated and effective integration of 21st century skills and competencies teaching practices and learning technologies into Canada’s education systems, along with MindShare Learning, is the co-recipient of the Special Chair’s Global Best Partnership Award 2016.

The announcement was released by the Conference Board of Canada and the International Education Business Partnership Network (IPN). The award recognizes MindShare Learning Technology and its strategic partner 21st Century Learning Associates for its innovative approach to bringing key partnership stakeholders together. This approach achieves meaningful learning impacts on a national and international scale with the creation of C21 Canada–Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.

“The International Education Business Partnership (IPN) is delighted that the International judges of the Global Best Awards have awarded Mindshare Learning this special Award. It is encouraging to see your work in engaging key players in Education collaboration get this International recognition, it is well deserved,” says Alex Blackwood, CEO, The International Partnership Network.

A bi-annual event, the Global Best Awards celebrate outstanding and effective business, education and community organization partnerships that have a significant impact on the communities in which they operate. “We are thrilled and honoured to be recognized for the Special Chair’s Global Best Award along with our valued partner. MindShare Learning will continue to forge strong networks and partnerships that benefit all learners across the Canadian education landscape and beyond,” says Robert Martellacci, Founder and President, MindShare Learning Technology.

“When informed public and private sector organizations in concert with educational leaders focus on creating an innovative education system, transformative synergies and progress occurs,” says David Roberts, President 21st Century Learning Associates.

The awards ceremony takes place at the 2016 International Partnership Network conference in Oslo, Norway, 14th to 16th of September, 2016. Here, MindShare Learning and C21 Canada will accept the award at the Global Best Awards ceremony, as well be spotlighted in a round-table discussion presenting the partnership to other delegates and other Global Best Award winners.

About MindShare Learning Technology

MindShare Learning Technology is Canada’s leading EdTech strategy consulting, news, and professional learning events company. Transforming learning in the 21st century by inspiring and sharing innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education landscape and beyond.

###

For more information contact:

Robert Martellacci, President

Mindshare Learning Technology

robert@mindsharelearning.com

416-569-2106

David Roberts, President 21st Century Learning Associates

C21 Canada

david.roberts@c21c

www.c21canada.org

1-506-471-5585

Shifting Minds 4.0 Release

By admin On June 9, 2016 · Add Comment · In C21 News, Member News, Press Release

C21 Canada is pleased to present
Shifting Minds 4.0 Shifting Systems for Learning and Innovation

Two leading documents are a sequel to Shifting Minds 3.0 Redefining the Learning Landscape in Canada. They are designed to help leaders continue to seek evidence and growth of innovative system cultures that promote competencies needed in a digital economy.

Click to download full documents:
Shifting Minds Imagine A New Generation

Shifting Systems Imagine the Possibilities

Coming November 1st: A C21 Canada Inquiry Guide for Learning and Leadership

C21 Canada announces the Launch of SHIFTING MINDS 4.0: Shifting Systems for Learning and Innovation Schulich School of Business, York University

By admin On June 8, 2016 · Add Comment · In Press Release

Toronto, ON, June 8^th 2016 – Today’s launch of Shifting Minds 4.0: Shifting Systems for Learning and Innovation features a simultaneous virtual release on the C21 Canada website and live on –location at the Schulich School of Business at York University at 12:45 PM.

The work continues as C21 Canada develops tools and resources for school-wide and system-wide indicators of change and growth. Today’s launch of Shifting Minds 4.0: Shifting Systems for Learning and Innovation offers new ways to empower change in your organization. “Ongoing sharing by CEO Academy leaders about system-wide scaling across the country has led to resources that encourage collaborative inquiry and honour local diversity needs,” says Karen Yamada, Vice-President & CFO, C21 Canada.

“C21 Canada provides a forum for education leaders to share ideas and build the capacity for system-wide transformation,” says Robert Martellacci, President & Co-Founder, C21 Canada. The seminal report, Shifting Minds 1.0: A 21^st Century Vision of Public Education for Canada (2012) identified 7 competencies for leading and learning in the 21^st century: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, character, culture and citizenship and computer and digital technologies.

Shifting Minds 3.0: Redefining the Learning Landscape in Canada (2015) proposed a shift from traditional policy-driven systems toward networks of strong responsive schools with educators collaborating continuously. Six system drivers were identified that can enable the transformation or hold it back: curriculum, assessment, pedagogies, learning environments, governance and community engagement.

About C21 Canada

C21 Canada is a national, not for profit organization that advocates for system-wide scaling of

Learning and Innovation. This transformation in education is needed on an urgent basis to position Canadians for economic, social and personal success in the high skills, knowledge and innovation-based economy.

###

For more information contact:
Robert Martellacci, President & Co-Founder
robert.martellacci@c21canada.org
www.c21canada.org

The Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary & Nancy Knowlton, CEO, Nureva Inc, to Receive Prestigious C21 Canada Shifting Minds Award for 2015

By admin On November 3, 2015 · Add Comment · In Press Release

Download Press Release Here

Calgary, AB, November 2, 2015 — C21 Canada, a leading notforprofit organization promoting the accelerated change in teaching and learning practices across Canada will be hosting an awards reception on Wednesday, November 4, 12 noon, the Blue Room, adjacent the Hotel Alma at the University of Calgary,169 University Gate Northwest, in honour of the Werklund School of Education and Nancy Knowlton.

The board of C21 Canada–Canadians for 21st Century Learning and Innovation, have the great pleasure of announcing National Shifting Minds Award winners for 2015 in the categories of System and Individual. This year’s recipients are:

The Werklund School of Education has been nominated to receive the Shifting Minds National Award from C21 Canada for distinctive achievement in the field of 21st Century learning and innovation in the System Award category. System Awards are presented to recognize the work of enlightened educators working together to advance 21st century models of learning and teaching in Canada. C21 Canada’s awards recognize and celebrate leadership excellence in advancing teaching and learning practices in Canada consistent with our Shifting Minds 1.0 vision and framework document and our Shifting Minds 3.0 Redefining the Learning Landscape in Canada.

“We’re very honoured to be selected for this important award,” said Dean Dennis Sumara of the Werklund School of Education. “Our focus is on research into the manner in which we teach and learn, especially as we move more deeply into this new era in education. To be recognized for our leadership in this area is gratifying.”

“We recognize and applaud the Werklund School’s numerous accomplishments and innovative spirit, said David Roberts, President & CoFounder of C21 Canada.

Nancy Knowlton has been nominated and selected to receive a Shifting Minds National Award from C21 Canada for distinctive achievement in the field of 21st Century learning and innovation.

Her nomination and selection is in the Individual Award category. Individual Awards are presented to recognize the work of enlightened leaders working together to advance 21st century models of learning in Canada. C21 Canada’s awards recognize and celebrate leadership excellence in advancing teaching and learning practices in Canada consistent with the Shifting Minds vision and framework document.

“Receiving this award from C21 Canada for contributions to 21stcentury learning and innovation in Canada is truly an honour,” said Nancy Knowlton. “I would like to recognize the many contributors from committed and creative staff at SMART and Nureva who have worked so hard through the years to make learning fun for so many students.”

“We recognize and applaud what Nancy has accomplished through her excellent work at SMART Technologies and currently as CEO at Nureva, where she has continued to demonstrate her thought leadership and passion for lifelong learning through technological innovations,” said Robert Martellacci, VicePresident & CoFounder, C21 Canada.

The Shifting Minds Awards coincide with the semiannual meeting of the C21 Canada CEO Academy of Canada made up of the top CEO’s/Superintendents from across Canada. The C21 Canada CEO Academy established this past year has the participation of the most innovative and progressive CEO’s from public school systems across Canada coming together to share and provide insight, leadership and direction to a 21st century learning, innovation and technology agenda.

About C21 Canada

C21 Canada is a national, not for profit organization that advocates for 21st Century models of learning in education. Their belief is that 21st century models of learning must be adopted in public education on an urgent basis to position Canadians for economic, social and personal success in the high skills, knowledge and innovation based economy.

For more information contact: Robert Martellacci, VP & CoFounder Mobile: 4165692106 robert.martellacci@c21canada.org www.c21canada.org.

C21 Canada is thrilled to welcome new board members

By admin On September 11, 2015 · Add Comment · In Blog, Press Release

Dr. Gina Cherkowski
Co-Founder & Director of Learning
Stem Learning Labs

Dr. Gina Cherkowski has a Masters in Teaching At-Risk Youth, with a double cognate Ph. D. in Mathematics Education and Culture Studies.

Dr. Cherkowski is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary in STEM Education for preservice secondary teachers equipping them with the skills, tools and mindsets they need to inspire and educate the problems solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators of tomorrow. Gina’s specialty is teaching future teachers how to use robotics and technology in the classroom to create rich, meaningful learning experiences across the STEM disciplines.

Dr. Cherkowski has co-created and teaches a graduate level course called “Creativity Across the Disciplines” where she works with practicing educators and leaders in developing their creative capacity to design, explore and put into practice innovative new ways to teach STEM and Enterprise in the 21st Century.

Dr. Cherkowski’s passion is to ensure that ALL kids have the opportunity to experience opportunities for high level learning and success on their learning journeys. In her research with MIND Research Institute from California, Dr. Cherkowski examines the impact of using digital technology to teach math visually for students who traditionally struggle in the math classroom. Dr. Cherkowski is a member of STEM Alberta, The Global STEM States, and is the founder and CEO of STEM Learning Lab where she shares her passion for ensuring all kids are aptly positioned for success in today’s fast paced, technology driven, data rich world.

Thom Leiper
Thom is the VP of Sales and Learning Solutions at Nelson Education Ltd. He has twenty years of seniorsales leadership experience within the North American technology industry including the last eight years in national sales roles at Apple Canada and Nelson Education. A passionate leader committed to delivering innovative hardware and software solutions within the K12 learning environment, Thom provides a unique perspective on the creation of engaging content within the ever-changing world of education technology.

Krista Jones
Krista is the senior advisor & lead of the EdTech cluster at MaRS. She has been a passionate innovator and builder of technology-based businesses since 1988. As an engineer, entrepreneur, mentor, she is known for her comprehensive knowledge of existing and emerging ICE technologies and architectures. To date, Krista has personally advised over 350 startups and worked with 1,300 ventures in the ICE industries. Krista and her husband owned a children’s technology educational franchise that fostered early innovation and creativity in robotics, animation, digital art and video game design.

C21 Canada — Canadians for 21st Century Learning and Innovation Announce C21 Canada CEO Academy

By admin On December 3, 2014 · Add Comment · In Press Release

TORONTO, ON, December 2, 2014 — C21 Canada, a leading non-for-profit organization promoting the accelerated change in teaching and learning practices across Canada, enters its next phase in its journey to nurture 21st century skills in all students across Canada.

Following successful summits and round table events in collaboration with CMEC (Council of Ministers of Education Canada) and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, inspiration led to the formation of the C21 Canada CEO Academy, a concept connecting 21 innovative K12 School District CEO’s from coast to coast to share and create best practices and meet challenges standing in the way.

Dr. Guy Tétrault, Director of Education/CEO for the Sun West School Division in Saskatchewan and a new member of the Shifting Minds Academy believes, “Joining the C21 Canada Shifting Minds Academy provides you with opportunities to collaborate with 21st Century leaders who are focused on transforming traditional educational paradigms into systems that promote and develop 21st Century competencies amongst today’s youth!”

“C21 Canada is pleased to announce the creation of a CEO Academy for Learning Innovation and Technology. This Academy has the participation of the most innovative and progressive CEO’s from public school systems across Canada coming together to share and provide insight, leadership and direction to a 21st century learning, innovation and technology agenda,” says David Roberts-President of C21 Canada.

About C21 Canada

For more information contact, please contact Robert Martellacci at robert.martellacci@c21canada.org or visit www.c21canada.org.

— 30 —

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES SISLER HIGH SCHOOL RECOGNIZED AS A NATIONAL LEADER, RECEIVES C21 AWARD FOR LEARNING AND INNOVATION

By admin On September 18, 2014 · Add Comment · In Blog, C21 News, Press Release

Sisler High School Receives C21 Shifting Minds Award for Excellence in Learning & Innovation
(L-R) David Roberts, C21 Canada; Dr. George Heshka; students receiving on behalf of the school (Stephanie and Gerrin); Karen Yamada, C21 Canada; Manitoba Minister of Education, Hon. James AllumManitoba, James Allum.

Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum was at Sisler High School today to congratulate students and staff being awarded the Shifting Minds National Award for Educational Technology from C21 Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that recognizes innovative leaders in education.

The Advancement of Canada’s and Alberta’s Education Curriculum-Press Release

By admin On April 9, 2014 · Add Comment · In C21 News, Press Release

Calgary Chambers

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2014

Gaining input on the educational needs of the future CALGARY – The advancement of Canada’s and Alberta’s education curriculum was up for discussion yesterday at a business roundtable led by Alberta’s Minister of Education, Jeff Johnson. The Calgary Chamber facilitated the discussion alongside the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), C21 Canada (Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation), and the Council for Ministers of Education Canada in an effort to gain first-hand input on learning and innovation needs for the 21st century. Minister Johnson is the current chair of the Council of Ministers of Education Canada and has been actively soliciting the views of education and business leaders and other stakeholders on Canada’s national learning and skills priorities. The roundtable discussion sought input on how Canada can best prepare learners for life, work and further education. The preparation of young people is a shared responsibility and educators and policy makers need to hear from all voices on how to improve the current system.

“Yesterday’s discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration when it comes to the future of education in Alberta and across Canada,” says Calgary Chamber Board Chair Leah Lawrence. “A diversity of voices and perspectives will help strengthen our education system and ensure that all our children are equipped with the 21st century skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential.” “Under Minister Johnson’s leadership Alberta is ensuring its education system is relevant to today’s learners”, said John Kershaw, President of C21 Canada. “We are hoping Minister Johnson will have the same success in moving the Canadian learning and skills agenda forward in his role as Chair of CMEC.” The delegates to the meeting were informed that both Alberta’s and Canada’s educational systems as a whole do many things well, as Canadian students, and Alberta learners in particular, are in the top rank of international comparisons. However the Minister was advised that in today’s knowledge era the business community is seeking people with competencies such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking, communication and digital literacy.

-30-

For more information contact James Callsen at jcallsen@calgarychamber.com 403 473 0696

C21 Canada Comments on International PIAAC Report

By admin On October 8, 2013 · Add Comment · In C21 News, Press Release, Uncategorized

Toronto, Ontario CANADA, Tuesday, October 8, 2013: Today’s release of an international survey on adult competencies in the 21^st century is a wake-up call for Canadians. Although Canada scored well relative to many participating countries, Canada is not in the top group of performing nations.

The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) was conducted by the OECD and focused on three primary areas of adult competency (ages 16 to 65): literacy, numeracy and digital literacy. The specific findings can be found on the website of the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC) at http://www.cmec.ca/. CMEC is comprised of Ministers responsible for learning, skills and labour development and provinces are the constitutional lead for education in Canada.

The Honourable Jeff Johnson, Minister of Alberta Education inherited the Chair of CMEC a mere week ago. In a meeting today with education and industry stakeholders he listened carefully to the opportunities and challenges identified as a result of the PIAAC findings. “He is clearly a leader who is focused on moving the 21^st century learning agenda ahead in Canada, in partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders.” says John Kershaw, President, C21 Canada. The fact that C21 Canada was invited to a special briefing session with Minister on the PIAAC findings speaks well to his interest in reaching out to groups and organizations who are actively engaged in and supportive of the call for changes in Canada’s learning systems.

Although the real work of deciphering the data from the OECD survey now begins, the key messages C21 Canada takes away from the PIAAC findings and the Ministers briefing session this morning include:

1) Although Canada’s ranking is relatively positive, we have much work to do to position Canadians with the competencies they need for success in the 21^st century;

2) Canada is not in the top group of performing nations, and there is wide regional variation in performance across the country.

3) There is a direct link between highly skilled people with 21^st competencies and future economic prosperity and social progress;

4) CMEC and Minister Johnson are committed to leading a national discussion on how to ensure Canadians achieve the competencies they need for success and will be model collaborators in this process;

5) OECD’s PISA results, to be released December, will continue to fuel the national discussion on learning and skills development;

6) The call for change is emanating from many quarters, both internationally (OECD) and nationally (Equinox Summit in Waterloo http://wgsi.org/).

C21 Canada advised Minister Johnson and CMEC officials that our organization is committed to supporting their efforts to convene educators, business leaders and other societal stakeholders and promote a national dialogue on the need for 21^st century models of learning and skills development in Canada.

About C21 Canada
C21 Canada is a unique blend of national education associations and knowledge sector businesses united in their belief that 21st century models of learning must be adopted in public education on an

urgent basis to position Canadians for economic, social and personal success in the high skills, knowledge and innovation based economy.www.c21canada.org

C21 Canada Founding Members: Canadian Education Association, Calgary Board of Education, Canadian School Boards Association, Dell, EF Educational Tours, IBM, Microsoft, Nelson Education, Oxford University Press, Pearson, Scholastic Education, SMART Technologies.

Secretariat: 21st Century Learning Associates, MindShare Learning

For media inquiries, please contact:

John Kershaw, President, C21 Canada
Phone: (506) 470-4985
E-mail: John.Kershaw@c21canada.org
Website: www.c21canada.org

Robert Martellacci, Vice-President, C21 Canada
Phone: (416) 569-2106
E-mail: Robert.Martellacci@c21canada.org
Website: www.c21canada.org

News Release: C21 Canada to Host 21st Century Learning Summit

By Robert Martellacci On February 14, 2012 · Add Comment · In Press Release

News Release:

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO: Tuesday, February 14, 2012: C21 Canada—Canadians for 21^st Century Learning & Innovation, a newly formed not-for-profit organization comprised of education organizations and knowledge sector companies will host a Summit on 21^st century learning and officially launch the organization, Wednesday, February 15 at the Kingbridge Centre, King City (north of Toronto).

The Summit, entitled “Shifting Minds,” will bring together 50 of Canada’s education and business leaders in the field of 21^st century learning to help C21 Canada create a national vision and framework for 21st century models of learning in Canada.

“As Canadians are increasingly concerned about the future for our children, there is now a need to inject a sense of urgency in the work to transform education. If not, thousands of children will continue to lose out on opportunities to grow and be successful,” says Ron Canuel, CEO, Canadian Education Association. “Our membership to C21Canada reflects our shared vision to tackle this issue head on.”

The genesis of C21 Canada is the shared belief of its members that public education in Canada must be transformed to position Canadians for success. The goal of C21 Canada is to witness an accelerated pace of 21st century competencies, instructional practices, and digital resources and services being integrated into Canada’s learning systems.

“The OECD and other global think tanks are calling for 21st century models of learning to position people and countries for success in the knowledge and digital era,” says John Kershaw, C21 Canada President and former Deputy Minister of Education, New Brunswick. “Canadian parents need to understand their children are not receiving the education they need for future success.”

About C21 Canada

C21 Canada is a unique blend of national education associations and knowledge sector businesses united in their belief that 21st century models of learning must be adopted in public education on an urgent basis to position Canadians for economic, social and personal success in the high skills, knowledge and innovation based economy. www.c21canada.org

C21 Canada’s Founding Members: Canadian Education Association, Canadian School Board Association, Dell, EF Educational Tours, IBM, McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Microsoft, Nelson Education, Oxford University Press, Pearson, Scholastic Education, SMART Technologies.

Secretariat: 21^st Century Learning Associates, MindShare Learning

Conference Twitter hashtag: #c21canada

###

Contact:

Robert Martellacci
Vice-President, C21 Canada
President& Publisher
Mindshare Learning Report
Cell: 416-569-2106
robert@mindsharelearning.com