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Government to retain 218 teachers Government will retain 218 teaching positions in 2003-04, representing a $12 million additional investment in the education system. Despite declining enrolments of more than 6,000 students over the past two years, government is committed to ensuring we have the best teacher-resourced education system in the country, for the benefit of students across the province. "This year we will retain 218 teachers in the system to maintain a strong teaching base, which is vital to the success of our students," said Gerry Reid, Minister of Education. "We place a very high value on our teachers, as they play an integral role in shaping our children who are the future of this province. An educated society is the foundation of a successful society, and the contribution which our teachers make cannot be overestimated. For this reason, this government continues to invest heavily in teaching resources." The department will undertake consultation with its educational partners to determine how these positions can best be allocated within the system. "Meeting with key stakeholders will allow us to identify the best opportunities to optimize teaching resources," added the minister. The report of the Ministerial Panel on Educational Delivery in the Classroom (2000), otherwise known as the Sparkes-Williams Report, recommended a new formula for determining the appropriate number of teacher positions for our education system. This formula was developed following extensive consultation with all education stakeholders. In 2001-02, this new formula would have reduced the number of teachers by 218 due to decline in enrolment. Government decided not to take any of these teachers out of the system in 2001-02. In 2002-03, 426 teachers could have been removed from the system, however government decided to retain 218. Again in 2003-04, 218 teacher positions scheduled for reduction will stay in the system for the benefit of students. Newfoundland and Labrador�s 2002-03 pupil-teacher ratio of one teacher to every 13.5 students, still stands as the best in the country. The Canadian average ratio based on 1999-2000 data was one teacher for every 16 students. "Had government followed the teacher allocation model from the Sparkes-Williams report, we would have taken out 378 teaching positions in 2003-04," said the minister. "Student enrolment continues to decline at a rate of 3.3 per cent annually. Despite this, government has put more than $35 million back into the system since 2001, as we recognize the importance of maintaining high teacher allocations to ensure our children receive the best quality educational experience possible." The total investment in teaching services for 2003-04 will be $410 million. Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0048, or (709) 727-3438 2003 03 27 3:10 p.m. |
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