There will be no changes to class sizes in the coming school year.
The Teachers’ Union has raised questions about class sizes for years, and with social distancing requirements due to COVID-19, it was hoped by some that government and school board officials would relent.
Some jurisdictions are staggering classes and offering half-day instruction to ensure physical distancing, but Education Minister Tom Osborne says with limited space and few active cases, the cost would be staggering—perhaps in the range of $1-billion.
Osborne says we have to be realistic on having smaller class sizes. He says our schools are safe. pic.twitter.com/iSMjeTjLFD
— Brian Madore (@bmadorevocm) September 3, 2020
He says Newfoundland and Labrador is in an enviable position. He says with no community prevalence or spread of the virus in the province it is safe for all students to return to school.
He indicates split classes might not provide students with the same advantage provided through full class instruction—not to mention the difficulties caused to parents.
(Dean Ingram. File photo.)
NLTA President Dean Ingram says while a lot of positive announcements have been made—and government appears to be listening—class size remains a serious issue.
The NLTA still feels the importance of having the issue examined and they’re calling for an independent review of allocation models so that it doesn’t remain an issue after COVID-19.
More Resources Allocated
The provincial government is allocating more resources in preparation for next week’s reopening of the schools.
Education Minister Tom Osborne says the school busing situation was in a mess, but they are acquiring additional buses. He expects that by the end of September, all students who require public transportation will have it. They are looking for more bus drivers, however.
New virtual teaching positions are being added to meet the needs of students who have compromised immune systems and have to learn from home. If they are in school, extra protection—such as plexiglass—will be added.
Student assistant hours are being increased to ensure students with exceptionalities have the supports they need.
Other resources, such as public health nurses, are being added.
HVAC inspections have been done, and maintenance are inspecting school windiows. pic.twitter.com/eSUXJ2V4lA
— Brian Madore (@bmadorevocm) September 3, 2020
