Education advocates in York Region call for an end to hybrid learning
A large crowd gathered in Newmarket Saturday, calling on the province to end its hybrid learning model for the upcoming school year.
The education advocacy group York Communities for Public Education hosted 'ChalkTalk at Riverwalk' outside the Newmarket Farmers' Market on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parents and students present are fighting for a return to full-time in-person learning in September, saying the split between online and in-person learning is not functional.
"Generally, there's too many different things going on at the same time that the teacher cannot handle, and they cannot deal with each student and their needs as required," says Sandra Huh, a parent who is part of the organizing group. "As a result, the level of education goes down, not at the fault of the teacher but because of the way the model has been proposed to families."
Instead of waving signs and shouting chants, the group used chalk to write their messages of concern on the sidewalks near the market.
"Hybrid hurts kids," says Milena, a student entering Grade 10. "The teacher's attention is always split between the in-person kids, the online kids; nobody can connect with their peers, with their teachers. It's hurting everybody involved."
Huh says she's pleased that the catholic board in York Region has said they won't pursue hybrid learning in elementary schools. She's hoping that will be carried over through to secondary schools as well.
Milena says that while everyone at her school was doing their best to make the last year as smooth as possible, hybrid learning created many gaps.
"It's a very different learning experience than any that I've ever had, and though we're moving through our education, there's really not much that's been learned by students."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.