PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education Rodolphe Samuel announced on Wednesday that the Division of Inspection for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport conducted a survey of primary and secondary education teachers on distance learning.
The survey was active from September 24th to 30th, 2020, and was filled in by a total of 209 of 264 (80%) primary school teachers, and 133 of 268 (50%) secondary school teachers representing all subsidized school boards and the Division Public Education.
When these persons were asked to rate their health, the majority (64%) of primary and secondary school teachers indicated to be healthy. The second-highest category in which teachers rated their health was a low or medium risk. 27% of primary school teachers and 22% of secondary school teachers rated themselves in this category. 9% of primary school teachers and 14% of secondary school teachers described themselves as being high risk.
The majority of the teachers indicated that they were in contact with their students for 3-4 sessions daily and across the board, the data prominently illustrated that “most students are participating with minor distractions or challenges.”
The data indicated strongly that overall, “technical issues” related to Device/Internet was the major challenge during distance learning, but despite that challenge, most students were submitting their assignments.
Teachers indicated that they generally felt supported by their school’s management and school boards. The overall rating of support schools received from their boards and teachers received from school management was “good.”
As it relates to the preferred method of education delivery moving forward, 13% of primary school teachers and 27% of secondary school teachers indicated the “blended/hybrid approach”. This refers to an approach in which education is delivered in person and via distance or online. 50% of primary school teachers and 25% of secondary school teachers indicated the “staggered approach”. In this approach, students return to school at different times during the school day. 12 % of primary school teachers and 18% of secondary school teachers indicated “only vulnerable to return”, and 11% of primary school teachers and 17% of secondary school teachers indicated to “remain fully online,” whereas 14% of primary school teachers 13% of secondary school teachers indicated “all students to return”.
When asked how ready teachers are to return to face-to-face instruction, 25% of primary school teachers and 27% of secondary school teachers indicated to be “ready,” 50% of primary school teachers and 46% of secondary school teachers indicated to be “ready, but are scared for their health,” 6% of primary school teachers and 16% of secondary school teachers indicated they are “not ready” to return and 19% of primary school teachers and 11% of secondary school teachers indicated that they are “unsure.”
Parents and students can rest assured that the Ministry of Education Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with all school boards are working diligently to ensure that all schools are taking the necessary precautions and adhering to all health protocols and guidelines to keep everyone at school safe.
