NLIS 13
March 21, 2002
(Education)
BACKGROUNDER
Teacher Allocations 2002-2003
- The report of the Ministerial Panel on
Educational Delivery in the Classroom (2000) 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.
- Student enrolment continues to decline at
3.5 per cent annually.
- In keeping with the report, the formula
would have removed 426 teaching positions over the past two years.
However, despite a decline in enrolment of about 7,000 students in the
last two years, more than one half of the teacher positions (218)
scheduled for reduction will stay in the system for the benefit of our
students. This is an investment of $11 million.
- Given that there will be more retirements
than position reductions, school boards will have to hire new teachers
to replace many of the retirees.
- Newfoundland and Labrador�s 2001-2002
pupil-teacher ratio of one teacher to every 13.4 students still stands
as the best in the country.
- The Canadian average ratio based on
1999-2000 data was one teacher to every 16 students.
- The Atlantic provinces pupil-teacher ratio
based on 2000-2001 data is one teacher to every 16.5 students.
- The total investment in teaching services
for 2002-2003 will be $347.1 million.
- Teachers� salaries account for
two-thirds of the total education budget of $518.9 million.
Media contact: Catherina Kennedy,
Communications, (709) 729-1906.
2002 03
21 3:00
p.m.
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