Ontario launches plan for schools to ‘catch up’ from the COVID-19 pandemic

The provincial government launched its ‘Plan to Catch Up’ for the 2022-23 school year following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan includes investments in education and getting students back into school on time with “the full school experience including extracurriculars like clubs, band and field trips.”

The government says it is enabling the option of remote learning for parents who feel it is best to do so.

Ontario says the plan is focused on the priorities of parents and includes:

• Getting kids back into classrooms in September on time, with a full school experience that includes extra-curriculars like clubs, band and field trips
• New tutoring supports to fill gaps in learning
• Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Providing more money to build schools and improve education
• Helping students with funding for mental health supports

“Our government is looking ahead as we remain squarely focused on ensuring students receive the best stable learning experience possible, and that starts with them being in class, on time, with all of the experiences students deserve,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, in a statement.

“We have a plan for students to catch up, including the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, a modernized skills-focused curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and enhanced mental health supports.”

The province says it has made multiple investments that benefit students and educators. The investments can be found in the government’s budget that was released before the provincial election as part of the Progressive Conservative party’s platform.

Ontario says more than $26.6 billion in funding for the 2022-23 school year.