SAY NO TO EDUCATION CUTS!

DON'T MESS WITH OUR EDUCATION!

As we know, Premier-designate Doug Ford has outlined what he plans to do in his Plan For The People and, while there also have been a number of promises made during the campaign.

   Many of us are well informed on what Doug Ford has planned to do with our education. He plans to get rid of 'discovery math', ban cell phones in class, make math mandatory in teachers’ college, "fix" EQAO and put a different standardized testing program in place and bring back Ontario's old sex ed curriculum until a new one is put in place. He also planned to ban cellphones in classrooms, bigger classes and to cut OSAP.

Schools Participate in the Walkout on April 4, 2019

When many students heard this, they were very upset and angry about it. On April 4, 2019, students participated in the walkout to protest education changes. Personally, I think that what Doug Ford is doing is ruining our education and is affecting everyone's lives. Even if the problem is money, they should have found another solution instead of cutting jobs, changing the way we learn and many more. Why should we trust a man who didn't even graduate? Think about it, what political knowledge does he have?  People out there do care about learning and enjoy their electives. My biggest concern is Doug Ford cutting art programs. I, myself enjoy design and all types of arts I can do at school and it is my dream to become an interior designer. What would happen to those dreams that people wanted to achieve? It brings our hopes down and we would not have enough freedom to do whatever we wish. If Doug Ford thinks this is a way to improve education, he is completely wrong. 

     Another one of my concerns would be cutting OSAP because many studies already worry about saving up for university because they are unable to afford it. But with OSAP, the government is able to help them for a year or two. Since he is planning to cut this, students might not even be able to go to school anymore due to this. Secondly, banning cellphones can be a distraction but also at my school, it is very important to keep your cellphone with you. With our cellphones, it is easier to reach out to our friends and teachers when we need help. When I am doing homework during class, I usually turn on my phone to search up something I don't understand. Lastly, sex-ed is important to educate. This takes away indigenous teachings which are really important because they shaped the way our land is today. If people weren't taught about gender identity, it will affect the way they socialize with people nor would they know how to deal with their own feelings. With this being said, people would not know the importance of respecting what someone identifies as.