Minister of Education holds students to higher standards than the Premier

OTTAWA – Following new mandatory attendance requirements imposed by the Minister of Education, NDP Shadow Minister for Education, Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West – Nepean) released the following statement:

“Ontario students deserve policies that help them succeed, not one-size-fits-all rules imposed without meaningful consultation.

“By making attendance worth up to 15% of a student’s final grade without investing in mental health, special education, and other student supports, this government is creating new barriers for students with disabilities or mental health challenges, and students who are already at risk of dropping out of school.

“Meanwhile, creating a list of subject areas that are exempt from mandatory exams without consulting teachers will only set students back. Teachers are subject matter experts with professional expertise, and instead of listening to experts about how to conduct meaningful assessments, Calandra just wants to decide who should have exams without any evidence.

“Instead of supporting students with evidence-based, meaningful policies, Paul Calandra just wants to be the Emperor of Education, dictating what everyone has to be doing.”