On this day of return to classes after several weeks of strike, Education Minister Bernard Drainville presented on Tuesday his catch-up plan for students, which includes tutoring, special assistance and training courses.
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Quebec plans to release nearly $300 million to give more options to students who may be struggling after several weeks of classes were canceled at the end of 2023.
“It is our responsibility to provide a catch-up plan that is adapted to the needs of students and allows them to continue their learning and be successful in their school year,” emphasized Minister Drainville during a press conference in Montreal.
To catch up, the Legault government is relying on teachers, including students in the field or retired teachers, to offer more hours of after-school tutoring on a voluntary basis.
Students with special needs can benefit from special assistance that can be provided in small groups of young people outside of school hours.
In addition, summer courses are offered free of charge for students in secondary schools 4 and 5 in subjects where examinations are required.
Depending on schools' plans, spring break could also be converted into catch-up activities. “These services would be offered by school staff on a voluntary basis and would be accompanied by additional remuneration,” the ministry assured.
School service centers and school principals have until the end of January to develop their catch-up plan.
As previously announced, the ministerial tests scheduled for the end of May will be postponed by two to seven days, but not beyond June 24th.