To the editor:
The Cariboo-Chilcotin Teachers’ Association (CCTA) thanks the parents and students of School District 27 for their continued support and understanding as we work through phase 1 of our job action.
Teachers fully understand parents are concerned about their child’s education.
Because of this, we have structured phase 1, so it is all about teaching and not about the administrative duties and paperwork that take far too much time. That time is better devoted to students.
Education Minister George Abbott is considering legislation to end the current strike. His rationale for this government interference is his concern the parents are not being given the details of your child’s progress.
Formal report cards, referred to by Abbott, would not be organized in most schools until November if we were not in job action, so his presumption parents are uninformed about their child’s progress is premature at best.
In the meantime, teachers are conducting informal parent teacher interviews this week and their doors are open for your questions.
These communications may include informal meetings, phone calls, assignments sent home to be signed and returned, comments in agendas, notes home, or e-mails depending on the usual method employed by an individual teacher.
Phase 1 does not stop teachers from providing students and their parents with informal progress reports at any time. The CCTA and the BC Teachers’ Federation expect informal reporting is occurring on an ongoing basis, be it teacher, student or parent initiated, and if there are any concerns, these concerns are discussed with parents at the earliest possible date.
For Abbott to suggest legislation this early in the process, for reasons that are unfounded, is not only insincere but also appears to be based on misinformation.
If you have any questions about the progress of your child, please contact the teacher. Teachers are happy to discuss your child’s progress with you.
Joan Erb, president
CCTA
