Page Content
Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement about rapid testing in schools.
“The expansion of the rapid testing program in schools is welcome, but it is not enough. This decision is reactive – and late – when schools need proactive solutions in this race against Covid spread.
The government has made keeping schools open a priority, so they need to make keeping the safety of people working and learning in those buildings a priority.
Teachers and parents are very concerned about the rapid spread of variants of concern in our communities and schools. Last November, secondary schools moved online with 1700 cases in schools, currently we have 2400 cases in schools – many of them variants of concern – and nearly one-in-five schools have alerts or outbreaks.
The government should be looking hard at scenario two in their reopening strategy which calls for a blend of at-home and in-school learning with reduced class sizes.
The most mindboggling part of today’s announcement is the decision to exclude school workers from expansions to the vaccination program. This is the single biggest thing that would make teachers feel safer. Contrary to the premier’s statements, this is offside with national recommendations on immunization and with what is happening in most other provinces.”
-ATA President Jason Schilling
The Alberta Teachers’ Association, as the professional organization of teachers, promotes and advances public education, safeguards standards of professional practice and serves as the advocate for its 46,000 members.
