The Editor,
Re: "Stop $200 million private school subsidies," Letters, March 9.
In British Columbia, we are proud to have a diverse schooling system that includes public schools, independent schools and home-schooling. Parents have the right to choose where their child receives an education based on their own needs and preferences.
There are publicly funded as well as non-funded independent schools. Those that are subsidized must meet certain requirements like employing B.C.-certified teachers and delivering educational programs that meet B.C. curriculum outcomes.
These independent schools, just like all public schools, contribute immensely to our society's productivity by equipping youth with the tools to become creative and valuable citizens.
The Ministry of Education has introduced B.C.'s Education Plan which includes five key elements for improving student outcomes.
These comprise of personalized learning for every student, quality teaching and learning, flexibility and choice, high standards and learning empowered by technology.
Further, the province has committed hundreds of millions toward expanding and building schools in seven of our fastest growing districts.
Full day kindergarten and innovative projects like the Neighbourhood Learning Centres are all part of the government's strategy in creating a more modern and effective education system.
However, there are always major challenges and room for improvement. The ongoing impasse between the BC Teachers' Federation (BCTF) and the BC Public School Employers' Association (BCPSEA) has highlighted some of these issues.
Bill 22 is designed to specifically address the imminent needs of students, parents and teachers. The new bill will address these challenges by capping class sizes and providing extra support in the event the maximum is exceeded, in the form of compensation, resources and prep time.
The bill also establishes a "coolingoff " period with a mediator so all parties can come to a reasonable and responsible resolution.
It is the government's belief that all children in British Columbia have the right to high-quality education that will guide them to reach their full potential.
John Yap MLA Richmond-Steveston
