York Region trustees tell Education Minister Lecce: 'Not all students thrive in e-learning'

York Region District School Board’s trustees urging King-Vaughan MPP Stephen Lecce to review e-learning before implementation

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 21, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

York Region District School Board’s trustees told Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a letter dated Feb. 13 that “not all students thrive in an online learning environment,” showing their disapproval of the mandatory e-learning courses to be rolled out across Ontario.

“Those who are successful in online learning environments often demonstrate high performance in face-to-face environments due to strong self-regulation skills and motivation,” wrote Juanita Nathan, YRDSB’s chair, who wrote on behalf of the trustees.

Citing studies and findings, Nathan said “students at risk of not graduating may further be adversely affected by these online requirements.

“It is therefore critical to consider the effects of this policy on students with language and accessibility barriers, and students who face historic and systemic barriers, such as Indigenous and racialized youth and youth in care.”

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Nathan, meanwhile, urged Lecce to “reflect” on these concerns prior to “implementation.”

“With this in mind, we would ask you, as Education Minister, report on your commitment to conduct a transparent in-depth review, which includes broadband requirements, access to technology, professional learning opportunities, accessibility requirements, budgetary requirements and proposed timelines.”

Nathan also said, “As elected trustees mandated to promote student achievement and well-being, we felt it necessary to share our concerns.”

The mandatory e-learning classes are among the main sticking points between the Ministry of Education and the four unions, who for the first time in two decades are at the picket lines all at once to make their voice heard against these changes.