N.L. government hitting brakes on plan to make arts, French optional for middle schoolers
Education Department extending feedback period until March 21
Newfoundland and Labrador's Education Department says it's pausing a plan to make sweeping curriculum changes for junior high school students following criticism from parents and students.
As previously reported by CBC News, Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell said the province had proposed changes to the curricula at 14 schools for the 2025-26 school year. The change would allow students to choose some of their classes by partially opting out of social studies and core French, and completely dropping art and music.
Now, after what Howell called "valuable input" as part of the feedback process, the province will hit pause on that change for the next school year.
"We have heard from many in the school community and partners in education," a Monday afternoon news release from the department said.
"While this robust consultation process continues, we will pause implementation of the proposed changes in the selected 14 schools for the 2025-26 school year."
Students and teachers who spoke with CBC News about the proposed changes questioned why they would be made — and specifically the impact it would have on music and French programs and a fulsome learning experience for students.
Students also voiced concern over what the changes could mean for education in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador given limited resources and optional modules.
The province is also deciding to extend the feedback process until March 21 to gather as much commentary as possible, the news release said.
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