Two Ontario teachers’ unions revealed they have settled unjust labour practice complaints against the government, with Ontario agreeing not to mandate an early reading screening apparatus for the forthcoming school year.
Recall that the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) accused the government recently of not bargaining in good faith by presenting the new requirement since it is a subject matter of discussion in negotiations.
The four paramount teachers’ unions have been in bargaining for a new contract with the government for over a year and three say they are plotting strike votes this fall.
A new policy announced by Education Minister Stephen Lecce in early 2023 would have required teachers to utilize an early reading screening tool in senior kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2.
A joint statement Wednesday from ETFO and OECTA says though they firmly believe that every child has the right to learn, to read, their contracts include language on the capability of teachers to exercise their professional judgement when selecting and conducting diagnostic tests to meet student needs.
They said the settlements were reached recently and the government confirmed the early reading screening tool would not be compulsory for the 2023-24 school year and that educators will still “use their expertise to identify and address students’ unique individual needs.”
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