The NLTA is stressing the need for a better allocation of resources to help students struggling in what has been an increasingly difficult time.

The long-awaited review of teacher allocation models is now underway and Teachers’ Union President Trent Langdon says a new model has to be based on needs, not numbers.

He says resources like guidance counsellors might only be available regionally in rural areas, meaning that a student might only get time with a guidance counsellor on a periodic basis.

Langdon highlights guidance counsellors who might visit certain schools once a week.

He points out that if a child has a crisis on a Monday, they can’t wait until Friday to get the help they need.

He says resources like speech-language pathology might only be available sporadically in certain areas, while “we’re now currently short three educational psychologists in Labrador.”

Langdon is encouraging parents and families to get involved in the review process and tell officials how their students are affected by current allocations.