IT'S TIME TO GET IT RIGHT
NLTA Stresses Again the Importance of Class Size and Composition as Review of the Teacher Allocation Model Commences

The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association (NLTA) is urging all members of our school communities and the committee appointed by government to review the Teacher Allocation Model to keep class size and composition at the top of the agenda as the stakeholder and public consultation process begins. The NLTA has been advocating for the long overdue review of the Teacher Allocation model since 2016.

"The NLTA has repeatedly raised concerns with government regarding the adverse impact large class sizes and ever increasing complexities in classroom composition have been having on the quality of our students' education. This has been further exacerbated by a lack of adequate supports for students with special needs," said Trent Langdon, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association.  "The committee reviewing the Teacher Allocation Model is starting its consultation process with students, teachers, parents, school administrators and student assistants. We all need to make the most of this opportunity to highlight the importance of a well-resourced public education system. It is time to get it right, time to speak up and to advocate for proper staffing levels and investment in our K-12 public education system." 

Recent reports from the Conference Board of Canada and other researchers clearly show that access to a strong public education system, with reasonable class sizes and allowances for complexity in class composition, enhances economic productivity, improves health outcomes, and can reduce demands on other public supports, including the justice system and community social services.

"Whether you are the parent or grandparent of a child in the K-12 system, a school staff member, or a student, the importance of long-term investment in a quality, properly resourced, publicly funded public K-12 education system cannot be overstated," said President Langdon.  "Class size and composition, administrative time, caseloads for specialized supports, and access to resource professionals at the school level are all relevant in this regard as part of an overall team approach to supporting student learning and development. We need to get it right this time. A long-term vision and investment in K-12 education will pay off in the future, resulting in a more productive and healthier citizenry that is less reliant on other government supports and interventions." 

The NLTA is urging all residents in the province with a stake in the public education system to engage in opportunities to provide input and feedback as the review of the Teacher Allocation Model proceeds.