The rotating strikes are now affecting report cards, according to the Near North District School Board (NNDSB).
The Director of Education, Craig Myles, says the current job action from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) will impact Kindergarten Communication of Learning, Elementary and Secondary Report Cards as well as Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in school boards across the province.
When it comes to IEPs, they will be updated with goals and expectations, however, they will not be provided to families at this time.
“For students who are on alternative expectations, teachers will provide a comment to administrators for each of the expectations,” says Myles. “For students with IEPs who have accommodations and/or modifications, a mark will be reported to administration along with an indication that they have an IEP for that subject.”
With elementary term one report cards, along with kindergarten communication of learning, teachers will be writing and providing marks to administrators, but will not be inputting them electronically.
“The NNDSB production of Report Cards for elementary students relies on the electronic inputting of data by teachers,” Myles said. “After exploring every possible solution, at this time, we are unable to provide parents/guardians with Term One Report Cards for elementary students.”
“Beyond the logistical challenges, providing marks without comments and context would not be considered fulsome feedback on student achievement of curriculum expectations,” continued Myles.
However, Secondary school students will receive their report cards, but teachers will not provide report card comments. The board says Grade 12 marks will be submitted to the Ontario College Application Service, and Ontario Universities’ Application Centre on time so that students’ post-secondary will not be impacted. Students can expect their report cards by February 11.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli offered his comments on the report card situation.
“Yet again, teacher union leaders are risking student success and preventing parents from seeing valuable information about their child’s performance in class,” says Fedeli. “It underscores our government’s insistence that teacher union leaders cancel these strikes that are hurting our kids. And it only strengthens our belief that parents want our government to invest in front-line services, not in compensation and other demands, for some of the highest-paid educators in the country.”
“We know how important report cards are to families and students, and that marks, learning skills and teacher comments are valued,” Myles said. “At the same time, report cards are not the sole nor are they the most important records of achievement data we have for your child/teen. They are simply one update on progress.”
“As always, parents/guardians can contact their child/teen’s teachers to learn about their growth and progress,” Myles continued. “We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding during this challenging time for public education in Ontario.”