Almost one year ago, teachers were on the picket line. Today, they are cautiously approving of promises in the Speech from the Throne. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

Cautious optimism

STF encouraged by Throne Speech ‘first steps’ on education

Nov 25, 2024 | 4:10 PM

The STF said it is pleased with promises made in today’s Speech from the Throne that would see expanded help for the province’s educators.

The government has promised two key things, increased support for complex classrooms and funding targeted at getting an increased number of students reading at their age level by Grade 3.

“Voters were clear this fall that the status quo was not working, and a new approach is needed if we are going to give Saskatchewan students the resources and supports they need to be successful,” said Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Samantha Becotte in a news release.

Earlier this year, eight schools were selected to pilot a ‘specialized support classroom model’. Two of the schools were in Prince Albert and another two in North Battleford.

That program will expand by an additional 200 schools now.

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Teachers and support staff will be added to boost student’s ability to read at grade level by Grade 3. That grade is a crucial age as children switch from learning to read to reading to learn.

Late last year, Saskatchewan teachers started their longest job action in their history, using rotating strikes or eliminating after-school and lunchroom supervision.

A key issue was classroom complexity and teachers sharing experiences of being assaulted by students.

“Statistics Canada shows that many aspects of Saskatchewan’s economy are among the strongest in the country, so our government is well positioned to reverse a decade of underfunding and commit meaningful, long-term funding for our public education system,” said Becotte.

One goal of the STF campaign was to make education an election issue and push for the province to restore and maintain per student funding and deal with class size along with complexity and violence in classrooms.

Becotte said her organization is looking forward to restoring its relationship with the government.

“I look forward to many opportunities for collaboration and discussions with Education Minister Everett Hindley and his staff in the weeks and months ahead,” Becotte said. “There is a lot of work to do, and we know all the challenges won’t be solved immediately; however, many meaningful changes can be made and implemented quickly.

Meanwhile, the STF will be watching the provincial budget to make sure that there is money behind the promises.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com