Local New Democrat Michael Mantha's raising concerns about the Ontario government's plans for online learning amid school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Algoma-Manitoulin MPP welcomes the idea of the "Learn at Home" online portal as a learning opportunity for students, Mantha is calling for contingency plans for students in northern and rural communities where broadband internet often isn't available, emphasizing that "no one wants to see any student fall behind, but for many, many students in northern and rural communities, online learning is not an option".
Mantha adds that the NDP are "ready and willing to work with the government to ensure appropriate education solutions are in place".
NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles has also questioned whether the school year will be completed and how - including how final grades will be assessed, particularly for high school students preparing to graduate.
Though the portal unveiled on Friday focuses on math and literacy resources for elementary students plus STEM courses for high school students, Education Minister Stephen Lecce has suggested a "second phase" is being prepared if the current school closures need to be extended beyond April 5th.