Government survey on education incites criticism from NDP
The Saskatchewan government has released the summarized details of a recent survey conducted, which included the opinions of 9,000 students, teachers, and non-students as data to shape the educational plan for the next decade.
According to the press release, students identified that quality teachers and a comfortable learning environment are the most important aspects to aid their learning, and non-students — including teachers and parents — indicated that quality teachers and access to educational supports were of most importance to students’ well-being. The feedback also indicated that while classrooms are functioning well, there is an interest in more hands-on learning techniques, updated curriculums, and a larger variety of electives to broaden students’ opportunities. Responses indicated that classroom environment and student behaviour are a leading barrier to learning. Data collected from this survey and from in-person engagement sessions will be included in the development of a new provincial education plan, to be presented this fall and implemented in the fall of 2020.
“Student voice is key as we begin to plan for the future success of all Saskatchewan students now and into the future,” said Minister of Education Gordon Wyant, in the press release. The framework for the new education plan will be co-constructed by the Ministry of Education, outlining the key areas in need of focus for the future.
Survey report draws ire from opposition
Following close on the heels of the provincial government’s press release is criticism from the opposition caucus, calling for the Sask Party to provide a full analysis of the survey’s responses.
Education critic Carla Beck expressed concerns about the lack of detail released, as the Sask Party’s survey closed in May and a full report on the survey’s findings has yet to be released.
The NDP are also voicing concerns regarding the inclusion of teacher’s voices in the non-students category, stating that the government’s summary is “silencing the voices of teachers.”
An education survey done in June by the NDP offers a different image of Saskatchewan’s education system, showing that three-quarters of teachers and EAs who responded felt the conditions for learning in school have worsened over the last three years.
NDP Ryan Meili has been vocal about how education cuts are affecting Saskatchewan, including overcrowded classrooms and a lack of supports for students with disabilities — such as educational assistants.