The BC Conservatives have unveiled their education policy plans about six days before the Oct. 19 voting day.
The plan includes reinstating provincial exams for Grade 10 and 12 students, restoring letter grades from Grade 4 to 9, and ending SOGI 123.
The provincial government website says B.C.’s SOGI program was introduced to help make schools inclusive and safe for all students and includes teaching them about sexual orientation and gender identity.
In a news release, B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad criticizes the NDP for “undermining the accountability in B.C.’s education system” and “introducing ideological programs into classrooms that distract from core learning and erode parental trust.”
- Ontario’s teaching unions serve bargaining notice to kick off contract talks
- Alberta government announces investment of more than $1 billion in student aid
- New Brunswick’s 12-year plans for school systems include adding pre-K
- With school violence on the rise, teachers say cuts will further strain classrooms
The conservatives say, if elected, they also intend to restore school liaison officer programs, offer funding to parents of children with autism and offer tax credits or direct payments for parents who homeschool their children.
Get breaking National news
The news release appeared to have been removed from the B.C. Conservatives’ website shortly after it was issued, but the party said it was due to a “copy edit issue” and that it would be republished once fixed.
Their education plans did not include any details of cost, but Rustad said Saturday that he will release his party’s costed election platform on Tuesday.
The NDP responded in a news release Sunday saying it is concerned Rustad’s education plans would lead to increased class sizes.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.