Parents fear some B.C. schools 'won't exist' under new online learning model
Some B.C. parents fear their children’s online schools may disappear under a new learning model coming next year.
The Ministry of Education says it’s rolling out a “new, single online learning policy” in time for the 2022 and 2023 school year. So far, few details have been released, which is causing stress for a number of families.
Kaye Banez, who lives with her family in Richmond, has two kids who attend an online school based in Kamloops. She says her kids, Lazarus and Estella, made the switch when the pandemic hit and the Kamloops school was the only online catholic school in the province.
“Online schooling has been the best decision that my husband and I have made for our children,” Banez said. “The school was very open and supportive of what Lazarus needed.”
Lazarus, nine, is on the autism spectrum and is mostly non-verbal. Banez said once he started learning from home he started to excel in his school work.
“Lazarus was hitting academic milestones that we didn’t realize he could hit,” she said. “And he’s able to get more therapy support through the school.”
Even his sister Estella, seven, is enjoying learning from home.
“If our online school breaks down and other kids wanted it, I would just make one again,” Estella said. “It would have math books that are super duper cute.”
The future of the children’s school is in question under the new online learning model set for roll-out next year.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said the new model is to “ensure every student has equal and consistent access to a quality education,” and all schools will need to apply to become provincial online learning service providers.
Some details, including the criteria for schools to be approved, are still being worked out. The ministry’s statement goes on to say that “Additional information about the number and location of provincial online schools will be available in spring 2022 following provincial consultation and engagement.”
For another parent, Amanda Flentjar, that information is coming too late.
“Typically we start making the plans for that next school year in January and February,” Flentjar said. “The timeline that they’ve released just really doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
Flentjar and Banez are both with Autism B.C. and have written two open letters to the province asking for clarity around the plan. They fear if some online schools do not get approved by next spring, parents will have to scramble to find another one for their children before the school year begins. Flentjar says the process is happening too quickly.
“To move forward and make changes that are going to have really negative impact on kids who have already had really traumatic school experiences, is irresponsible,” she said.
The ministry says it wants to hear from parents and families and it asking people to “participate in forums being held through October.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.