BCTF calls for additional safety measures, more remote learning options as school year looms on horizon

An expanded masks policy at middle and secondary schools
is the latest measure put in place by the Ministry of Education.
However, BCTF members want more  safety protocols to be considered

With  the days of Back to School now just over the September horizon, the plan forward for in class instruction still seems somewhat unresolved, with the British Columbia Teachers Federation releasing a list of concerns and recommendations today that they would like the Ministry of Education to consider and take action on.

A Social media post from BCTF President Teri Mooring relayed the lengthy review of the concerns for the teachers who are scheduled to return to the schools on September 8th, with the first day of classes set for the 10th.

“BC teachers fully support the ongoing efforts of all the education partner groups to get students back to learning as soon as possible,” said Mooring. “In an ideal situation, back to learning would mean all schools are safe for 100% of students, teachers, and support staff to return all at once. However, the sharp rise in active COVID-19 cases has many people worried that the government has not done enough to ensure teachers, students, and their families are safe. 

BC teachers want to get back into our classrooms and help give our students the best education possibleAnd, like every other worker in this province, we have a right to be safe. The government’s K–12 restart plan still needs more prevention measures to ensure teachers, students, and their families are as safe as they can be."-- BCTF President Teri Mooring

Among some of the items the teachers have offered up for provincial consideration expansion of remote learning options, improved face mask and physical safety policies, more funding for custodial cleaning.

The Full statement from the BCTF Federation president can be reviewed here.

The recommendations for the province come after the release of a report from the Federation on the range of concerns that teachers have about the return plans. 

The study, which was released on August 10th highlighted the following:

54% of teachers felt safe at school last June. 

51% said there were proper health and safety measures in place. 

82% said they feel supported by their colleagues.

81% said they are worried about their students.

Earlier this week, the Ministry of Education outlined more of the Back to School plan, announcing that middle school and secondary school students will be required to wear masks while transiting through high traffic areas of the schools.

Under the updated health and safety guidelines, masks will be required for staff, middle and secondary students in high traffic areas such as buses and in common areas such as hallways, or anytime outside of their learning group whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. -- A key element from Monday's latest update on the Back to School plan from the Minister of Education

School District 52 is continuing on with its work towards the return to School for September, but so far other than some social media messaging on the theme, no firm details have been shared with the public about what the School Day will look like in just a few short weeks.

For more notes on education in the Northwest see our archive page here.