Education Minister Lisa Thompson unveiled the Ford government’s reforms Friday morning at the Ontario Science Centre — reforms based on consultations the province has been holding since last fall.High school classes will grow to an average of 28 students, up from the current 22, though class caps in the early elementary years will remain, Thompson announced as part of a package of system reforms.The government will not alter kindergarten class sizes — and also did not announce any changes to the program. Limits for Grades 1-3 also remain.Class sizes averages from Grades 4-8 will stay at 24.5 or less, with a slight funding change. Thompson also announced changes to the health/sex-ed curriculum, which keeps lessons on learning the proper names of body parts in Grade 1 but moves discussion of gender identity and gender expression to Grade 8.While parents have always had the option of removing their children from sex-ed classes, the government said in a written release that “there will be clear provisions for parents who wish to exempt their child or children from sexual health education and online modules will be available for parents who want to discuss sexual health topics at home, whenever they feel their child is ready.”Also to be covered is mental health in the primary years, consent and body image starting in Grade 2, and gender identity moves from Grade 6 to Grade 8.Some details had already been revealed, including a ban on cellphones in classrooms unless teachers require them for instructional purposes, as well as a “back to basics” math plan with training for teachers. Last September, the government launched public consultations, seeking input on science/technology/engineering and math (STEM) instruction; the skilled trades and the health/sex-ed curriculum, including mental health, via online surveys and telephone town halls. At the time, Thompson said “our goal is to prepare Ontario students for success, imp ...
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