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[theothersideofprogress-blog]

Not to be outdone by the 1990s Mike Harris Conservative government, the minority Liberal government is putting some heat on Ontario public teachers. It's an unfortunate place to be, but necessary at this point. In 2010, agreements with non-profit sector organizations resulted in a two-year wage freeze. The wage freeze continues. Public sector organizations and agencies have also been affected after numerous collective agreements imposed a two-year wage freeze for Public Secotr workers, including the Ontario Public Service. This is a result of the government's 8-year deficit plan (assuming they stay in power next election), afterwhich spending will be capped at a 1.9% increase starting 2017-2018. The pains of wage freezes has already been seen and felt by many workers in Ontario. Now, we're at a place where education needs to do its fair share in dealing with the deficit and overspending.

The solution?

Give teachers their raise. They can have it, as this seems to be a 'quality' issue for them. If 2 - 3% per year over the next three years is important to the providing quality education in Ontario, then let's not argue this issue with combative strategies such as lock outs, strikes, and legislated return-to-work. Then, to save necessary dollars to combat the deficit, raise class sizes across the province.

The impact?

Save millions of dollars by raising class sizes, which will require less teachers in the classroom. This will return dollars to the government to help pay down Ontario's luming deficit.

The Evidence?

A report by the Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services, chaired by Don Drummond, urged government to revisit the 2003 'Class Size Reduction Initiative;. The report provided ample evidence that class sizes at current levels do not result in an increase in positive outcomes for students.

The Canadian Education Association reviewed primary class-size policy and found that reduction of class sizes yielded at least modest quality improvements. 'Modest' meaning there was not a significant change in outcomes to suggest the initiative is needed.

CD Howe Institute, as reported by the Commission Report under Mr. Drummond, stated that "no solid evidence exists to show that smaller classes improve student achievement in the later primary and secondary grades in Canada".

The Commission Report also investigated international education systems and found that "nearly 72% of results showed no statistically significant impacts" when looking at education programs that reduced class sizes.

The Ontario Liberal government has yet to show any solid evidence that their 2003 'Class Size Reduction Initiative' has actually resulted in better quality education.

The next step?

1) Cap class sizes at 30 in secondary schools (Grades 9-12); 26 in elementary classes (Grades 4-8); and, 24 in primary classes (grades JK-3). This will evidently reduce the number of teachers in schools, which will result in dramatic savings in education spending.

2) Research the affects of 'split' classes on educational outcomes for students and seek guidance from educational experts on whether 'split' classes should be abolished.

3) Institute a three-year wage increase for teachers while classroom sizes are being reduced. First year - 2%; second year - 2.5%; third year - 3%. Re-negotiate wage increase under new collective agreement in 2015.

4) Use part of savings from reduction of teachers due to increased class sizes to assist in paying down the deficit.

With these measures in place, the Ontario school system will not suffer, but continue to flourish while helping Ontarians deal with a deficit left from a vicious recession in 2008/2009.