REPORT CARDS ARE OUT. THE FORD GOVERNMENT SAYS IT HAS A PLAN TO HELP STUDENTS CATCH UP. IS TURNING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR A SOLUTION — OR PART OF THE PROBLEM?

Karen Brown, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, worries the province is creating “a pathway towards privatization” by diverting public funds she says are better spent lowering class sizes and increasing in-school supports.

“All students are able to benefit if you create conditions within the classroom on an ongoing basis,” says Brown of ETFO, which represents about 83,000 members.