The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The NDP government is touting progress toward its goal of limiting K-3 class sizes across Manitoba. School divisions have hired 79 additional teachers this year to begin complying with the provincially mandated cap of 20 students for each classroom in those grades. 'Today more than ever, success in life depends upon receiving the best-possible education and training,' said Premier Greg Selinger. 'Investing in smaller class sizes is an important step we can take toward ensuring our children have the attention they need to learn and reach their potential.' Selinger said 'smaller classes mean more one-on-one time with teachers and a better quality of education for our students.' The 79 new teachers are currently working in 31 school divisions and are having a direct impact on class size, resulting in: a 20 per cent reduction in kindergarten to Grade 3 classes with 24 or more students; 11 per cent more kindergarten to Grade 3 classes that have 23 students or less; and 13.7 per cent more kindergarten to Grade 3 that have 20 students or less. The NDP announced earlier this year that school divisions in Manitoba will be required to cap their kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms at 20 students by September 2017. While 10 per cent of classrooms per division will be allowed the flexibility to go beyond the cap of 20 students, no classes will be permitted to have more than 23 students in a K-3 classroom. In June, the province provided funding to help hire additional teachers, provide professional development or commence planning to support and implement the new rule. 'Our plan for smaller class sizes is ensuring Manitoba students will benefit from more individual attention from teachers in the vital first years,' said Selinger. 'This is a step in the right direction for education in Manitoba.' Selinger said an oversight committee has been providing 'valuable advice to government' as it moves forward on the class size limits. The committee includes representatives from the Manitoba Teachers' Society, Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, Manitoba School Boards Association, Manitoba Association of School Superintendents and Manitoba Association of School Business Officials. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
