The Nova Scotia Department of Education is a department of the Government of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...

 responsible for overseeing education institutions in the province. Ramona Jennex

Ramona Jennex

Ramona Jennex is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2009 provincial election. She represents the electoral district of Kings South as a member of the New Democratic Party. She was previously a schoolteacher. On January 11, 2011 she was appointed...

 is the current Minister of Education.

Mandate

The Department of Education mandate spans the education system from school entry through to all post-secondary destinations.

The education system is separated into public schools (Grades Primary to 12) and post-secondary (colleges and universities).

All children must begin school in the year they reach 5 years of age (Grade Primary).

Mission statement

To provide excellence in education and training for personal fulfillment and for a productive, prosperous society.

Organizational structure

The Department of Education is headed by an elected official appointed by the Premier:

• Minister of Education: Hon. Ramona Jennex
  Ramona Jennex
  Ramona Jennex is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in the 2009 provincial election. She represents the electoral district of Kings South as a member of the New Democratic Party. She was previously a schoolteacher. On January 11, 2011 she was appointed...
  
  

and by a senior civil servant called a Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister (Canada)

In Canada, a deputy minister is the senior civil servant in a government department. He or she takes political direction from an elected minister. Responsibility for the department's day-to-day operations, budget and program development lie with the deputy minister...

:

• Deputy Minister: Rosalind Penfound

The Department of Education is composed of several operational units, including:

• Acadian and French Language Services

• Public Schools
  • African Canadian Services
  • Education Quality Services
  • English Program Services
  • Equity and Special Projects
  • Evaluation Services
  • French Second Language Services
  • Learning Resources & Technology Services
  • Mi'kmaq Liaison Office
  • Regional Education Service
  • School Board Labour Relations
  • Student Services

• Corporate Policy
  • Agencies, Boards and Commissions
  • Departmental Library
  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
  • Publishing

• Corporate Services
  • Facilities Management
  • Finance
  • Information Technology
  • Statistics and Data Management
  • Teacher Certification

• Higher Education
  • Post-secondary Disability Services
  • Private Career Colleges
  • Provincial Library
  • Student Assistance
  • Universities and Colleges

In 2008 the Department of Education underwent significant structural change with the creation of the new Department of Labour and Workforce Development. The former Skills and Learning branch has moved into this new department.

See also

• School districts in Nova Scotia
• Education in Canada
  Education in Canada
  Education in Canada is for the most part provided publicly, funded and overseen by federal, provincial, and local governments. Education is within provincial jurisdiction and the curriculum is overseen by the province. Education in Canada is generally divided into primary education, followed by...
  
  
• Nova Scotia Community College system
  Nova Scotia Community College
  The Nova Scotia Community College, commonly referred to as the NSCC, is a community college serving the province of Nova Scotia.The college delivers a diverse program of trades, technology, health, human services, applied arts, new media, business administration and adult education through a system...