Interesting subject Terry. I wish Minister Hogan has been present. Always good to hear both sides of an argument before forming a judement. Naturally the members from the oppostion parties are never fully supportive of government policy or proposals and always claim they can do better. That is the nature of the political game. However they made some interesting claims tonight so I had to check those claims out. Both guests made a big deal over the NBTA announcing they do not agree with the direction the government wants to go with French language instruction and this would lead the listener and the readers to think that the teachers in NB also oppose the direction the government may take. So I called a couple of teachers to get their perspective on the NBTA announcement only to learn the teachers in NB were not consulted at all. The decision to oppose these changes to how French is taught in our schools seems to be a decsion made by the NBTA executive with little to no consultation with the teachers in the classrooms. False claims seem to surface quite often in such debates. It was good of Mr. Sequin to point out that the recommended changes stem from a report done by Yvette Finn and John McLaughlin, two esteemed NBers who said that we should adopt some changes.. The two oppostion members then stated that a review of the official languages act was done and that the Premier has not responded to it yet. May I ask who did the review and was the review all inclusive, meaning was the review conducted by a panel that included input from both sides of the langauge issues or was it done only by those who support the status quo? I think to be relative, NBers would want to know who took part in the review of the Official Languages Act for starters. Then they take the political opportunity to tell the listeners that this is all Higgs idea and that he has opposed bilingualism etc since his early days with COR. The next statement suggests that conversational French is mediocre French however there seems to be a difference of opinion on what conversational French actually means and it depends on who you are speaking to. So the question remains, what is conversational French. as it can mean so much to so many people as Mr. Sequin points out. They then claim there is no plan yet, it has not been developed. This suggests that the Finn McLaughlin recommendations are incorrect or wrong. So they are then dismissing the expertise and opinions of Finn and McLaughlin maybe because they do not fit their personal preferance or narrative? The next claim is that the trust has been broken with the Teachers Association and that people are walking away. Again the teachers have not been consulted on the pros or cons of this new plan by the Higgs government, they were not consulted on the pros and cons of the Finn-McLauglin proposals and they were not consulted on the proposals made by the review of the Official Languages Act and how that review might affect the teaching of French etc in our schools. It is thus very misleading to make such statements as representative of NB teachers or the public when neither have been consulted. Next there is a claim that all of this is adding stress to our teachers because they may not be sure about their contracts and what might happen in September. That may be true however I ask where were you when Premeir Gallant got rid of a good number of English speaking teachers to make room for early Immersion and room for additional French speaking teachers. A good number of those teachers had little choice but leave the province. Would like to hear the opinions of those teachers who are now teaching in other provinces and not here at home? Mr. Sequin then stated that he was unable to get an answer from the NBTA on whether or not their oppostion was to the time table to impliment the changes or for some other reason. Cannot give an answer, interesting. It was noted more than once that there has been change after change, as many as 35 changes in 37 years. Does this possibly suggest that maybe the results were embarrasing or something. Why so many changes? Then the discussion switched to the facts that teachers wear to many hats, they have to see students are fed and try and ensure that those with disabilities have the help they need. Big issues beyond French Immersion. Then there was a suggestion that we may need bilingual EAs so that children with disabilities can also learn French. There is a big need for more resources to achieve this goal. No doubt it would take additional resources but of course no one spoke on the extra costs and where that money would come from. We need bilingual EAs and certified specialists, what is the price tag? Next Mr. Sequin brings up a very interesting reality, children who hear anti bilingual talk at home are not receptive to second language instruction so how do we address that. So do we get rid of segregation and separate busing? Not mentioned. The oppostion members seem to be upset that the Finn- McLaughlin report was not part of the Official Languages review process so why does it exist. The flip side of that is why was it not part of the Official Languages review? Then the Green memebr claims Kris Austin at sometime stated in the past that he was thrilled that French Immersion was going to be eliminated. I do not recall such a statement, could someone provide that. Then the Liberal member stated I think we have to get back to what do NBers want? Bingo, but how do we find out what NBers want? She assumes that because enrollment in French Immersion is increasing then this more or less means the people of NB want more bilingualism. There is a way to find out if her assumption is true, it;s called a referendum. Maybe she will push for one?
Connie
Keating of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association says teachers have
been painted on the opposite side of parents on the issue of gender
identity, when they both are partners in maintaining a child's well
being. (CBC)
The New Brunswick school year is wrapping up this week with uncertainty concerning changes to Policy 713.
Gender-identity
policy changes come into effect on July 1 and teachers still don't know
if they'll be forced to say no to a child's request to informally use a
different name and pronoun without parental consent.
They
also don't know whether they'll face consequences if they do use a
child's chosen pronoun, and they still don't have a collective
agreement.
On top of that, some district education councils have
adopted differing policies. Anglophone South and East passed policy
amendments mandating school staff respect all students' informal chosen
names and pronouns, regardless of parental consent or age. Official name
and pronoun changes for kids under 16 have always required parental
signoff, even before the review.
New Brunswick's Minister of Education Bill Hogan introduced controversial changes to Policy 713 earlier this month. (Radio-Canada)
Connie
Keating, the president of the New Brunswick Teachers Association, said
the union's relationship with this government has been "bitter."
"It's unsettling. We don't know where we're going to be come fall," she told Information Morning Fredericton.
"Over
the summer, will we be able to get a collective agreement? Will we find
ourselves on the picket line? Those are not the questions we want to be
asking. We really want to be focused on student learning."
Keating
declined to explain the sticking points in contract negotiations
because they're now in the middle of a conciliation process with
mediators. She said the union and the employer submitted briefs to a
conciliation board, which is expected to deliver a report in mid-July.
2 education council policies differ from province's
Earlier
this month, Education Minister Bill Hogan announced changes to Policy
713, which outlines basic protections for LGBTQ students.
Hogan
said one of the changes effectively bans teachers and staff from using a
child under 16's chosen name and pronoun informally, unless the child
gets parental consent first. And if the child doesn't want to address
this with parents, they're to be "directed" to a school psychologist or
social worker to come up with a plan to speak to their parents.
The
union representing those mental health professionals has filed a
grievance over these policy changes, saying the policy is not clear and
it makes them complicit in harming children.
The New Brunswick
Association of School Psychologists said denying a child's right to
identity is against the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, and it also
causes psychological harm.
Minister
Hogan previously said the changes were made to maintain the parents'
right to know. He said if a child requests an informal pronoun change
from their teacher, and declines to include their parents, using that
pronoun is tantamount to "keeping secrets." He said teachers shouldn't
be keeping parents in the dark.
Keating said the narrative around these policy changes has harmed the relationship between parents and teachers.
"We
feel that it's tried to paint teachers and parents on opposite sides of
the issue. And not only has it done that, there seems to have been a
conscious effort to undermine the trust that teachers hold with their
students," she said.
"Parents and teachers, we are partners and children's education and their well-being, and this is not where we should be."
Rob
Fowler, for chair of the Anglophone South District Education Council,
says the DEC policies are stronger, better protect children. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
The
people involved in creating this policy, including district education
councils and and mental health experts, say the intention of the policy
is to provide a safe space for students to be themselves without fear.
Not all parents are supportive, and children should be able to trust
that they won't be reported to parents if they confide in a teacher.
Rob
Fowler, who was the chair of Anglophone South education council for
years, said the goal is to protect children above all else. He said he
knew of a student who was engaged with school work but started to
change, became sullen and his marks went down.
"He said, 'Well I
came out to my parents, they threw me out of the house, so I'm living in
a park.' That's the child we're trying to protect," Fowler told Shift N.B.
"We
shouldn't be outing kids who by very nature are not feeling comfortable
enough to tell their parents but they have found a safe place in the
school."
Information Morning - Fredericton 6:28
School year wraps up
As
the school year draws to a close, teachers are feeling a lot of
uncertainty heading into the summer vacation. Jeanne Armstrong spoke to
NBTA president Connie Keating.
Fowler said
the local policies passed by the district education councils are
stronger, and typically, district staff follow the stronger policy.
"I hope that teachers and staff will follow that," he said.
The
Anglophone West council is expected to meet in a few weeks to decide
whether to follow suit. Francophone Nord-Ouest said it has no plans to
change Policy 713. The remaining education councils did not respond to
CBC's request for information.
An opposition motion passed in
legislature mandating that child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock review
the changes to Policy 713. He's expected to make recommendations on
Aug. 15, but nothing he recommends will be binding.
Methinks the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association can cry quite a river N'esy Pas?
William Murdoch
Can TAs draw EI in the summer?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to William Murdoch
Who cares?
Gregory Pittaway
Reply to William Murdoch
Different jobs and different unions I believe.
Bill Green
Polling has been showing that Higgs, Hogan, et al. will not be very happy this fall after the snap election.
The time for Higgs and his mistreatment of educators and
other essential workers is coming to an end. Bye, bye, Blaine!
David Amos
Reply to Bill Green
The Fat Lady ain't sung yet
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to David Amos
We could crowdfund an aria.
Lorelei Stott
focus on math, reading and writing .... and don't get involved in the rest.... enjoy your summer , if we ever find some sunshine
David Amos
Reply to Lorelei Stott
I concur
Kristina Maguire
I get so frustrated reading anything regarding
public opinion on teachers. Having done this job for 25+ years, the lack
of support from government and the public around what we do is such a
sign of the times. Yes, many colleagues are deciding to change
professions or opting for early retirement. This is the sad reality. No,
it is not just based on one policy being altered, but a lack of overall
trust and respect that not only are the children's needs being met, but
parents' role is being respected and those parent/teacher relationships
are seen as a necessity to fully support the child. What the public
does not understand is the dire situations some of these children
experience every day, with home lives that are abusive or neglectful.
The amount of children coming to school malnourished or with other
obvious signs of abuse is nothing short of a crisis. It is the teachers,
administration and support staff that deal with these situations, (from
what I have experienced) with empathy and care. The role of the teacher
has changed. We can't deny this. With this, the burn out levels are
also undeniable. And to continue to belittle the profession publicly
might make some people who hate their jobs, or hate that they have to
work in the summers feel better about themselves. I guess if the
government doesn't recognize the worth or have respect for the
profession, it only makes sense that the public will follow suit.
Kevin MacDonald
Reply to Kristina Maguire
Decertify from the union and you will be better liked. You can't have it both ways with the public. sorry.
Dennis Atchison
Reply to Kevin MacDonald
Then you do not understand the work and role of the union, and you do not understand how the media "report" on unions.
Art McCarthy
Reply to Kristina Maguire
I don't see any "both ways" in this discussion. Parents
see teachers as a homogenous group; union affiliation has nothing to do
with it.
And why would any teacher consider severing from a
mechanism with some ability to assist, when the gov't has hinted at
punitive measures against any teacher who fails to strictly follow the
updated policy?
It boggles the mind...
Michael Cain
Reply to Kevin MacDonald
The union gets Joe public better deals in the private sector.
David Amos
Reply to Dennis Atchison
Please enlighten us
Akimbo Alogo
Reply to Kristina Maguire
Teaching used to be a respectable profession.
Unions ruined that and protected the do-nothings. There are good and
bad in every profession. Unions make sure the bad ones remain employed.
Just teach...dont parent. No one in interested in your
philosophy....just do the job.
Andrew Martin
Reply to Art McCarthy
What punitive measures have been hinted against teachers who dont follow this updated policy? Please cite your source.
Art McCarthy
Reply to Andrew Martin
???
They hinted there would be punitive measures.
"A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed late
Thursday that according to the policy, teachers and staff are only
forbidden from using a child's chosen name, without parental consent,
"in an official capacity." "
Kevin MacDonald
Reply to Dennis Atchison
Dennis, I am not programed and don't understand like you do, correct.
Kevin MacDonald
Reply to Michael Cain
Joe public doesn't hide inside the heard, he has to produce and be reviewed for raises.
Michael Cain
Reply to Kevin MacDonald
Joe Public has their performance reviewed every
year and it can mean demotion or promotion, based upon merit; Joe
private kisses up to the boss.
Michael Cain
Reply toAkimbo Alogo
Exactly. Teachers are to teach; the SOGI of the child is in the parent's domain.
Kevin MacDonald
Reply to Michael Cain
Michael, Joe public generates real GDP and
feeds your belly if you are a civil servant sir. And to use the term
"Joe public" is really offensive, considering they are they upper
twenty-five percent of the class by far.
Michael Cain
Reply to Kevin MacDonald
Kevin, the public service spends all their
money on private industry, keeping them in business, and feeding the
family, putting a roof over their head. We have to differentiate between
private and public service. What is really offensive is thinking class
is more than it is.
Don Corey
I wonder just how much Keating herself is actually responsible for the “bitter” (her word) relationship.
William Murdoch
Reply to Don Corey
Ouch
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Ditto
Akimbo Alogo
Reply to Don Corey
Exactly. Again, nothing speaks to friendship
and cooperation like a big yellow fist, eh? (Nurses, Teachers, et
cetera) Unions are the real root of the problems. Taken over
education, healthcare and are now reeling in the social work world.
Just this morning they're doing damage control, covering up for those
whose subpar performance has allowed horrible things to transpire in NB.
Thanks unions.
G. Timothy Walton
Reply toAkimbo Alogo
Yes, yes, it's all the employees' fault. Unions
never exist for any reason other than making things worse for the
public. Is there anything else ahistorical you can impart?
Sindi Roma
Jobs come with challenges. If that's news to the teachers, then they need a reality check. Sheesh!
William Murdoch
Reply to Sindi Roma
Pushing hard to displace Nurses?
David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
No need to
Matt Steele
It is really all a moot point anyways .
Premier Higgs is doing a Cabinet shuffle as I type this ; and there will
probably be an election this fall which will be a deciding factor on
policy 713 ; as all N.B.ers will get a chance to cast their opinion at
the ballot box .
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Matt Steele
You are wrong.
Pete Parent
Reply to Matt Steele
You dont know that. You throw thing out there like they were facts.Being opinionated is not the same as being informed.
David Amos
Reply to Pete Parent
I agree
Akimbo Alogo
Reply to Matt Steele
And Higgs will be right back in as premier and the rest will be whinging. Blaming all problems on the govt.
stewie griffen
Reply to Matt Steele
Can't wait to vote him back in.
Rhys Philbin
This topic has run its course.
Enough already.
Colin Seeley
Reply to Rhys Philbin
Enough will happen when he resigns and apologizes to Don Darling.
Inger Nielsen
Reply to Rhys Philbin
why enough already so higgs can think all is well fine and dandy, this is far from over
Don Corey
Reply to Rhys Philbin
The agenda to keep the attack on Higgs going full blast is blatantly obvious.
David Amos
Reply to Rhys Philbin
I already told ya they are far from done
Colin Seeley
Reply to Colin Seeley
Enough will happen when he resigns and apologizes
stewie griffen
Reply to Rhys Philbin Nope, he needs to call an election not apologize.
stewie griffen
Reply to Colin Seeley
Why should he do ether from what i see most people outside of this board thinks he is right and he knows it.
Andrew Martin
Reply to stewie griffen
Agreed.. the silent majority are tired of
dealing with fantasy land and would like to get back to dealing with
reality where we can no longer afford to put food on our tables or pay
our mortgages. There's bigger problems at hand that we should be dealing
with.
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to Don Corey
He's a stronger target than children. He should be able to take what the media dishes out.
Don Corey
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
I made no reference to children, one way or another.
Yes, he’s more than capable of absorbing whatever the media throws at
him.
You don’t “get” my point obviously.
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to Don Corey
And that point would be what, that he didn't bring this on himself with this particular issue?
Nobody would get a free pass on this.
Les Cooper
Call them by their legal name. End of story
Rhys Philbin
Reply to Les Cooper
Amen
John Montgomery
Reply to Les Cooper
Even if they are traumatized by it?
Ben Haroldson
Reply to Les Cooper
Give em a number, like the rest of us.....
Rachel Woods
Reply to Les Cooper
Not respecting a person’s chosen name and pronoun is a human rights violation
Gregory Pittaway
Reply to Les Cooper
Lester, where ya at?
David Amos
Reply to Ben Haroldson
They canceled my number
stewie griffen
Reply to John Montgomery
They wont be singled out than so what the problem if everyone has a number.
New Brunswick's Minister of Education Bill Hogan introduced controversial changes to Policy 713 earlier this month. (Radio-Canada)
Rob
Fowler, for chair of the Anglophone South District Education Council,
says the DEC policies are stronger, better protect children. (Hadeel Ibrahim/CBC)
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