Ford Government Proposes Changes to School Day Structure

The Ontario government is considering significant changes to the school day structure, potentially limiting recess to once a day while making it longer. A memo from the Ministry of Education, obtained by the Toronto Star, outlines plans that aim to enhance flexibility in scheduling for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. The proposal seeks input from school boards on a new regulation allowing them to tailor their schedules to better meet local needs and maximize student learning.

Under the proposed regulations, schools could opt for a single, extended recess period instead of having two shorter breaks, while still ensuring students receive a minimum of 300 minutes of instructional time each day. This change would also guarantee a lunch break of at least 40 minutes, with a total combined time for recess and lunch of 60 minutes.

Concerns have emerged from various stakeholders regarding the implications of these changes. René Jansen in de Wal, president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association, expressed confusion over why the provincial government would seek to centralize control over a matter that traditionally serves local community needs. He highlighted that several schools that previously experimented with alternative schedules reverted to their original plans due to complications affecting daycare arrangements and the scheduling of subjects like music and physical education.

The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, Canada’s largest teachers’ union, also voiced apprehensions. They noted that while many schools have already adopted balanced schedules featuring multiple breaks, the government’s focus on structural changes does not address deeper systemic issues. These include large class sizes, insufficient support for students with special education needs, increasing violence in schools, and chronic underfunding. The federation emphasized that any adjustments to the school day must prioritize student well-being and educational quality rather than merely convenience or cost considerations.

The union additionally raised concerns about the potential challenges for supply teachers and those on half-day assignments, as the proposed changes may disrupt the alignment of the school day with natural breaks. They urged for comprehensive consultations with educators before implementing any new regulations.

In contrast, Michael Bellmore, president of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, saw the potential benefits in the proposed regulation, suggesting it could create a standardized approach for schools exploring alternative schedules.

In addition to the proposed changes to school day structures, the ministry is also seeking feedback on the establishment of a new June 1 Ontario Day in schools. This day would be dedicated to recognizing and celebrating key milestones in Ontario’s history and the contributions of Ontarians to the province and Canada as a whole. Bellmore described this initiative as a positive opportunity for students to learn about the rich diversity of contributions from various communities across Ontario.

In the memo sent on Thursday to school board chairs and education directors, the ministry indicated that the consultation period would close on the following Tuesday. Jansen in de Wal expressed his support for the idea of an Ontario Day, but criticized the lack of detail provided and the short consultation window, which he argued does not allow for meaningful input. He pointed out that educators are already overwhelmed with ongoing changes and announcements from the government, making it challenging to engage in new initiatives.

The proposed changes to the school day structure and the introduction of Ontario Day reflect the government’s efforts to adapt educational policies to better fit local needs while sparking debate among educators and stakeholders about the implications for student learning and community engagement.