The Ontario government has released a plan to help students catch up after two years of disrupted learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plan is mainly focused on getting students back into the classroom for a “full school experience,” but the Progressive Conservatives say they will also “enable the remote learning option” for parents who feel it’s best option for your child.
“Our plan starts with a return to face-to-face, on-time learning with all the experiences students need and deserve, such as sports, clubs and field trips. Nothing is more important,” the document says.
Few new details were released about how the government plans to ensure face-to-face learning continues throughout the year, especially if another wave of COVID-19 hits the province. Instead, the government touted its previous investments in ventilation improvements and HEPA filter units, the provision of rapid COVID-19 tests for staff and students, and funding for parents to offset the costs of learning in line
Officials say those same measures will remain in place through the 2022-23 school year.
The plan also includes extra tutoring, funding to build new schools, as well as mental health supports.
School boards are offering enhanced tutoring support programs focused on literacy and math from April 2022, officials say.
This is breaking news. More to come.