Ford says education getting ‘back to basics’
Premier Doug Ford says Ontario is “going back to the basics” when it comes to education.
Although he wouldn’t commit to keeping class sizes at their current levels, he thinks “the people of this province will be quite thrilled when they see” his government’s education reforms, which are expected to be unveiled Friday. Ford made the comments in a wide-ranging press conference held Wednesday in Cambridge that touched on a number of issues.
“We’re focusing on the students — we’re making sure the students get the best education they can,” Ford said. “I can tell you — we are going back to the basics. We’re going to make sure our students understand math, reading, arithmetic.”
Provincial math tests show scores have been dropping in recent years, which is part of a larger, global trend. Education Minister Lisa Thompson is set to announce changes to the math curriculum on Friday, which will fully come into effect in September 2021. Boards will hire a “math learning lead,” and the province will support 1,000 schools — roughly one quarter of all elementary and secondary schools — with extra numeracy help.
It will also require all new teachers to pass a math knowledge exam before they can be certified to work in public schools, and require the province’s 16,000 middle-school teachers to earn additional qualifications in math.
The government will also direct teachers to “focus on fundamental concepts and skills” and move away from “discovery math.” It will also boost online resources.
Ford was also asked about the controversial appointment — and withdrawal — of family friend Ron Taverner to head the Ontario Provincial Police. The new commissioner, Thomas Carrique, was announced Monday.
“Sure, I’m disappointed,” about Taverner stepping down, the premier said. “But we have a great commissioner in his place.”
When asked about his office’s request for a van, with modifications, to travel around in, Ford said reporters are the “only ones talking about this … the media just wants to keep dragging on and dragging on about a used van. A used van.”