Reflections and predictions on education for 2021

BY PAUL JUNOR

In many ways, 2020 will go down in history as the year when the COVID-19 pandemic had its greatest impact on public education in Ontario. The closure of all publicly funded schools after March break 2020 for two weeks and the adoption of virtual schooling was significant. The Ministry of Education released a “Learn at Home Portal” at ontario.ca on March 27th, 2020 with resources for parents, guardians and caregivers. It is continually updated.

Many school boards were forced to adopt contingency plans that try to ensure that students were equipped with devices, equipment and Internet access so that their schooling continued seamlessly.

The start of the school year was rocky as labour unrests from 2019 spilled over into 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic challenges public education, all four teachers’ unions were able to settle. This left a lot of bitterness and resentment as pay increases were capped at 1%, two e-learning courses were mandated and there was a loss of many teacher-related jobs.

2020 will be remembered for what transpired at the Peel District School Board (PDSB). The board has been under the radar for years because of concerns about systemic racism, especially anti-black racism. The subsequent firing of its former Director, Peter Joshua and appointment of the first black female, Colleen Russel-Rawlins brought hope to the embattled board. It has initiated proactive steps to address these concerns.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) went through many changes. The abrupt retirement of its director, Dr John Malloy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 was a shock to many. The appointment of Carlene Jackson, as the first black female Interim Director was welcome. Her departure on October 15th has forced the TDSB to conduct a search for a new Director. Hopefully, one is found in 2021.

It was on June 20th, 2020 that the province released its revised elementary Math curriculum with an emphasis on rote learning, coding and social-emotional skills. It was expected to roll out in September. Many felt this was poor timing given all the pressure placed on school boards.

The decision was made to suspend EQAO testing in Grade 3 and 6 to give boards time to align the curriculum with teaching.

The release of the province’s back-to-school plan in August with an investment of $900 million to: hire new teachers, supply teachers and acquire personal protective equipment were considered not enough by the teachers’ unions. They wanted at least $3 billion to be spent.

The issue of racial equity in public education will continue to be front and centre in 2021. The Ministry of Education has taken steps to address anti-black racism in schools. Advocacy groups such as Parents of Black Children will continue to put pressure on the government to live up to its promises with concrete actions.

There is much anticipation of what the provincial anti-racism policy will look like when it is released in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated racial inequities, educational disparities and has increased the achievement gap for many racialized communities.

The decision by the Ministry to suspend hiring by seniority in 2020 has been met by mixed reaction. In addition, the addition of racist remarks as a reason for professional misconduct of teachers by the Ontario College of Teacher will be finalized. This is important to BIPOC communities who are often targeted.

The issue of the pros and cons of virtual learning/online schooling will be heavily debated in 2021. Ministry’s data revealed that about 70% of high school students opted for hybrid learning in the current school year. There is much that needs to be improved in this delivery mode. In addition, issues related to the de-streaming of Grade 9, introduction of a new Grade 9 Mathematics curriculum as well as the role of EQAO testing will continue to be important.

I will be sure to keep the community caught up to date on everything that is happening in the education sector. Until then, Happy New Year!