PC Education critic Barry Petten is upset with the provincial government’s decision to cancel public exams for this school year.

Petten says while he appreciates the challenges students have faced over the past three years, he’s continuing to hear from parents and students who feel ill-equipped for post-secondary education.

He says high school students, who have never written a final or comprehensive exam, are expected to do so in university.

Preparation, study techniques and review methods are not being covered in high schools says Petten, and government still hasn’t released a plan to address learning loss or respond to the concerns raised during two sessions on learning impact held in late summer.

Petten says other provinces are stepping up with spending and detailed plans to ensure children are not left behind, but there is no proactive plan in place in Newfoundland and Labrador.