Class size and class composition are fundamental to the job that teachers do. These critical areas affect the ability of teachers to do their jobs and our students ability to learn. Improving our working conditions will improve our students learning conditions. Class size and class composition are key to the quality of public schooling Manitoba children get. Every parent and every child, knows that class size matters.
Studies prove it, too.
It makes sense that our students will get more of the attention they need and deserve if they are in smaller classes. Why would anyone want to jeopardize Manitoba children s potential for success by preventing teachers from talking about class size in a professional manner, as equals, with their employers and then having the right to take that matter to arbitration. Teachers do their work in a professional manner and know that their work will be judged accordingly surely their professional judgment must be respected. The Minister of Education himself alluded to this in his comments on the second reading of Bill 42. The Minister quoted from a 1994 arbitration decision of Mr. Paul Teskey.