Provincial government and NDP unveil differing surveys on the future of education

With teachers heading back to the classroom next week, the government and NDP released duelling surveys Wednesday about the state of education in Saskatchewan.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili highlighted what he called a “crisis” in Saskatchewan classrooms, while addressing the Saskatoon Teachers Association Convention at Prairieland Park.

“Something as important as education deserves better, and we can do better,” he said, receiving several ovations from the estimated 3,500 teachers in attendance.

The NDP’s “Brighter Future” survey received feedback from more than 1,400 people across Saskatchewan.

The survey found more than three-quarters of teachers and educational assistants said the situation in schools has got worse in the last three years.

Eighty-three per cent supported a cap on classroom sizes.

Meili said morale is suffering as a result and is troubled to hear educators are considering quitting if conditions don’t improve.

“That to me is a real sign that there is a crisis, that the levels of burnout are way out of control,” he said.

Meili said adequately funding education is the first step, but added there also needs to be work on addressing more complex classrooms.

Government recognizes classroom challenges

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Gord Wyant told teachers in Saskatoon on Wednesday the government remains committed to solving issues in the classroom.

In his speech to delegates, Wyant stated the government continues to move forward on its innovation agenda, a promise made in the last budget.

“It would be premature to suggest what that looks like,” he said. “What I mentioned in my speech is we’ve engaged some of the greatest thinkers in public education in the world to help us move our system forward.”

The province is in the midst of developing a new education plan and conducted its own survey this spring to help identify the key priorities for the next decade.

Nearly 9,000 students, parents and teachers provided responses, ranging from quality of teachers, access to educational supports to more electives for students.

Wyant wouldn’t commit to a timeline when the new education plan will be ready.

“These aren’t just solutions that you can just fix overnight,” he said. “You need a good concrete plan that is deliverable.”

He said the government recognizes the financial pressure school divisions are facing, but did not commit to a funding increase in the next provincial budget.