The government’s latest solution related to illness and school absenteeism is not a solution at all, said ATA president Jason Schilling.
On Nov. 24, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange announced a new regulation that requires school jurisdictions to provide in-person learning to students even if their school or school division has switched to online learning in response to sickness levels and absentee rates.
Schilling said the regulation imposes solutions that are simply unworkable.
“If schools have no choice but to implement online learning in response to severe staff shortages and limited availability of substitute teachers, they simply will not have sufficient capacity to offer in-person instruction at the same time, as is required by the regulation,” he said.
Many schools across the province are struggling to maintain in-person teaching because of high numbers of teacher and student illnesses due to widespread outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza and RSV, he said.
In a letter to parents, LaGrange stated that the regulatory measures are necessary to ensure stability for students.
“Our teachers have worked hard to ensure students who may have fallen behind a grade level due to the instability in learning environments have the additional supports they need in the classroom. By protecting in-person learning, students will be provided with stability,” she wrote.
A new regulation also prevents school divisions from mandating the wearing of masks or denying students from receiving an in-person education due to their personal decision to wear or not wear a mask. The masking regulatory change does not apply to teachers and other school staff.
“Parents and students have told me time and time again that they want a normal school environment for their kids,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a news release. “With that in mind, we have taken steps to protect and enhance educational choice. Families are free to make their own personal health decisions, and, no matter what that decision is, it will be supported by Alberta’s education system.”
The government also said that the chief medical officer of health can impose orders that supersede the limitations imposed by the regulations.
Schilling questioned whether the chief medical officer is truly able to act independently. Barring further action from the province’s top doctor, Schilling suggested that local solutions would be more appropriate than sweeping regulations.
“Decisions concerning mask policy are best made by school authorities in response to local conditions and based upon credible medical advice,” he said. ❚
