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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says the problems associated with the
elimination of over 400 teaching positions in the last two years is now
being noticed in classrooms around the province. Many teachers are reporting
overcrowding in classrooms and a lack of teachers to provide a quality
education to students. "Since students returned to their classrooms on
Tuesday, I have been bombarded with calls from teachers and concerned
parents who are complaining that there are too many students in certain
classes," said Mr. Reid. "I received a call yesterday from a Grade 6 teacher
on Fogo Island who has 38 students in her class. This is unacceptable and is
an example of what happens when government eliminates so many teaching
positions from our school system.
"While the minister continuously claims that these teacher cuts will have
no impact on the education of our young people, I suggest he visit these
overcrowded classrooms and speak directly with the teachers. It is not
possible to give the necessary attention to every student’s individual needs
when there are 38 children in a classroom.
"These concerns were raised time and time again over the past two years,
but ignored by this government. Unfortunately, it will be the education of
our young people who will suffer because of the money that this
administration is saving on the backs of our students. These problems will
continue to grow until we get a minister who will stand up, stop the cuts
and make a significant investment in our school system. It does not appear
this administration has such a minister."
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