Changes to Safe Schools Strategy Assist Student Progress

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Home > Media Room > Media Releases > Changes to Safe Schools Strategy Assist Student Progress

Changes to Safe Schools Strategy Assist Student Progress

April 17, 2007

ETFO welcomes provincial government initiatives announced today

Classroom teachers welcome the province’s announcement of clear and progressive guidelines for student suspensions and expulsions, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario said today.

“It is our understanding that suspensions and expulsions are now solely the responsibility of principals and boards. We have always maintained that it is not the teacher’s role to suspend students,” said Emily Noble, ETFO President.

Noble was responding to Education Minister Kathleen Wynne’s announcement today clarifying decision-making authority regarding suspensions and expulsions for principals and school boards.

‘We are also pleased to see that the ‘zero tolerance’ philosophy has been rejected by the government,” added Noble. “Proposing a progressive discipline approach to address inappropriate student behaviour and providing programs for expelled students and those on long-term suspensions are progressive changes that allow students to continue their education while taking responsibility for their actions.”

Noble added that teachers appreciate the addition of bullying to the list of infractions for which suspension must be considered.

“Bullying is a form of violence that should not be tolerated within our schools. It can lead to serious forms of anti-social behavior that can interfere with a child’s ability to develop social skills and learn.”

Noble stressed that the province’s Safe Schools Strategy is not the ultimate panacea for student discipline and behavioural problems.

“It also takes the support of teaching assistants, lunchroom supervisors, full-time secretarial and caretaking staff, together with the support of board psychologists, social workers and professional support personnel to ensure schools are safe places to learn and work.”

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario represents more than 70,000 public elementary school teachers and education workers across Ontario and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

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