Ontario's elementary school teachers are calling on the provincial government to do more to help students with serious behavioral issues.
At a news conference on Tuesday, The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) said there is a critical lack of support for kids who lash out in class, sometimes leading to violent incidents.
“We know that students who have timely access to effective supports do better in school. The issue is that children with high risk behaviors aren’t getting the mental health referrals and support they need,” said Sam Hammond, president of the ETFO. “Other children with special needs are not receiving sufficient support and resources, leading to delays in assessment to inform their programming, and often delay or absence in receiving the supports and resources they need to be successful.”
The federation recommends the government increase funding for special education programs, set up inter-ministerial supports to build capacity for children’s mental health services and support school board compliance, reporting of incidents, and training related to health and safety legislation and policies.
“We need to ensure school environments are physically and psychologically safe to ensure optimal teaching conditions and learning outcomes for students," said Hammond. "There is a critical need for more special education teachers, educational assistants, psychologists, behavioral therapists, school support counsellors, child and youth workers, and speech language pathologists.”
The call came just one day before Ontario ministers of education and labour are scheduled to meet to discuss the issue.