Meet Ken Williams

Ken Williams is a retirement income specialist at Andy Lambe & Associates, and he is the president of the PEI Home and School Federation. He spoke to us recently in his Charlottetown office.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was involved with the Home and School in Saskatchewan and Alberta as I was concerned about the education of my two older boys. Likewise, I joined the organization when we moved to PEI since my eleven year old son is in school here.

How does the PEI Education system compare to others you have seen?

It’s not fair to compare. Education is a provincial matter, and each province has its own resources. If you have more money you can do more things, but we have a great quality of life here in PEI, and my son is receiving a good quality education. Could it be better? Of course, any system can be improved, but my son is learning how to think, to rationalize, and to analyze properly. That’s all I ask.

Do you have a special interest in literacy?

Yes, I always have. I am a former journalist, and I’m hard on myself about what I write. I always try to think about the people who are receiving the message when I write.

I was in hospital one time and shared a room with a man who could speak three languages, but couldn’t read or write. This made a great impression on me.

In my business, I explain the contract my clients sign, but it is really important that they read them on their own. They can’t do this if their literacy levels are too low.

What can we do about low literacy levels?

I think we can improve the situation by emphasizing reading more in grades 1 to 5.

I failed grade 8, and it was the best thing for me at the time. I went on to a university degree. We seldom fail children anymore.

We see a proliferation of home schooling and private schools because people aren’t happy with the system. The resources aren’t there to hire teachers for remedial programs. Having said that, the parents have a huge responsibility. That’s the other half of the Home and School, it’s not just the school’s problem.

They say even if you read or sing to child even before it’s born, there is something going on. Even if a very young child doesn’t understand, the parents should read to it. The TV should be turned off. It’s often used as a babysitter.

What’s happened during your term?

We lobbied for the safety of children on school busses, and got the fines raised for offending drivers who pass illegally.