Quebec Education Minister announces $300M plan for catch-up education after strikes

Tashi Farmilo

In a recent development, Bernard Drainville, the Quebec Minister of Education, unveiled a comprehensive $300 million initiative aimed at compensating for the educational deficits caused by the extensive strike actions in the public sector toward the end of 2023. This announcement was made during a press conference held on January 9 in Montreal.

Voluntary Nature and Customized Approach:

Drainville has highlighted the voluntary aspect of the initiative, assuring teachers and staff that participation in extra work is entirely optional. The catch-up plan will be tailored by each school, coordinated through service centres, to meet the diverse needs of students and the unique circumstances of different schools.

Tutoring Programs Expansion:

A key component of the strategy is the expansion of tutoring programs. Additional support will be provided outside regular class hours by teachers, retired educators, or student teachers, particularly targeting students who need extra assistance.

Free Catch-Up Classes for Students in Grades 4–5:

To address the risks of failing ministerial examinations, free catch-up classes during the school year and summer will be available for students in grades four and five. This measure aims to provide these students with the necessary resources to succeed in their studies.

Support for Community Groups:

The plan includes a substantial $42 million allocation to support community groups involved in education. These funds will aid in dropout prevention and francization efforts, ensuring a broader impact of the initiative.

Spring Break Catch-Up Opportunities:

Some schools might open during spring break to offer catch-up services, based on the assessments of schools' and service centres' understanding of student demand.

Calendar Modifications:

Three significant changes to the school calendar include the postponement of ministerial exams by two weeks, adjusting the weighting of exams, and the possibility of delaying the March 15 report cards until the end of March.

Emphasis on Shared Responsibility:

Minister Drainville stresses the shared responsibility among teachers, parents, schools, students, and the government in ensuring the plan's success. Despite some skepticism from educators, he remains confident in the effectiveness of the strategy, focusing on the unique needs of each student and the voluntary commitment of education staff.

Addressing Diverse Challenges:

This initiative is a response to the varied challenges faced by students during the labour strikes, with some students missing up to 24 days of school. The government's goal is to compensate for this lost time and support students in their academic success.

Photo caption: Education Minister Bernard Drainville addressing the press in Montreal, unveiling the $300 million plan to support Quebec students affected by recent labor strikes. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Government of Quebec.