NDP calls for proper funding for destreaming Grade 9 math

TORONTO — Following the government’s long-delayed announcement Wednesday about destreaming Grade 9 math, NDP Education critic Marit Stiles called on the government to fund the new program properly and extend it to additional subjects and grades.

She issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the NDP, I want to extend gratitude to everyone who joined the fight for destreaming. This long-overdue victory is one small step towards ending the systemic discrimination of lowered expectations and greater barriers, which has disproportionately seen Black, Indigenous, and racialized kids moved into applied courses — potentially limiting their future university or career choices.

All kids will now have a shared curriculum for Grade 9 math, and they're going to need small class sizes and the opportunity for one-on-one learning. Doug Ford’s plan to cut $800 million from schools this year is a recipe for students getting less help and lower grades.

The late release of the curriculum means educators and Boards will need more support to ensure a smooth roll-out.

The NDP is calling for proper funding to support kids after destreaming and an urgent plan for destreaming other subjects and grades.