The Manitoba government on Thursday pledged $3 million in new funding to help school divisions hire more teachers and keep early-years classes smaller as per provincial policy.
In 2011, the province announced kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms would be capped at 20 students each by September 2017, with some wiggle room available.
Thursday’s announcement brings funding for smaller classes to a total of $13 million for the 2015-16 year, said Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum.
“With smaller classes, teachers have an increased opportunity to work with students to meet their individual needs,” said Allum. “As a result, students get the attention they need to establish solid foundational skills and excel academically throughout their school years and later on in life.”
More than 382 additional teachers have been hired since 2011 to create smaller classes across the province, he added.
