Broader learning opportunities

• Students can participate in music and physical education programs, with additional safety measures in place.
• Sport tournaments are not allowed, but activities like sports team practices and games can continue.
• Additional physical distancing and hygiene measures required in compliance with BC public health recommendations.

Data collection

The K-12 Education Recovery Plan includes directions for local boards and schools to “develop processes for identifying and addressing pandemic impacts on student learning and well-being with a focus on the “whole child” including literacy, numeracy, social-emotional development and mental health.” The strategy does not stipulate provincial reporting or tracking of these evaluations.

Educator resources

ShareEdBC is the online platform being used to provide teaching, planning and professional learning resources for educators.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• BC supports a range of classroom assessments including self-assessments of core competencies.
• In addition, Provincial assessments continue, including the Foundation Skills Assessment for students in grades 4 and 7, Grade 10 Literacy and Numeracy assessments, and the Grade 12 Literacy Assessment.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting:

• BC schools will not report on COVID cases, but if a school’s attendance drops 10% below the average for that time of year, they will notify public health and the school community.
• Vaccines are encouraged, but not mandated, and most gatherings and meetings are to be held virtually. Extracurricular sports are paused.
• When available in January, the province will provide 500,000 Rapid Antigen tests to schools.
• The province is not providing N95 masks for staff.

Remote learning

• Online and distributed learning programs continue.
• Kindergarten to Grade 7 students can enrol in full programs inside or outside their district, or with an independent school.
• Grades 8 to 12 students can enrol in a full program inside or outside their district or they can cross-enrol and enrol outside of their district with a public or independent school. Online Learning Policy – Active Participation (Interim).

Student supports

• Online Learning Policy – Students with Special Needs (Interim) established to support students with special needs and replace IEPs while establishing a funding model to provide funding equity.

Mental Health in Schools (MHiS) Strategy established by working group promoting key principles and strategies for K-12 mental health support. Key principles and strategies include:

• Cultural Responsiveness and Humility
• Proportionate Responses and Supports
• Trauma Informed Practices
• Strengths Based Approaches
• Compassionate Systems Leadership
• Capacity Building
• Mental Health in the Classroom

Sources:
Government of B.C. (November 23, 2021). COVID-19 safe schools.
Government of B.C. (November 23, 2021). Online Learning Information for Administrators. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/online-learning.
Government of B.C. (August 30, 2021). Key Principles and Strategies for K-12 Mental Health Promotion in Schools. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/key-principles-and-strategies-for-k-12-mental-health-promotion.pdf
Government of B.C. (July 1, 2021). Online Learning Policy – Active Participation (Interim). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/online-learning-policy-active-participation.
Government of B.C. (July 1, 2021). Online Learning Policy – Funding (Interim). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/online-learning-policy-funding.
Government of B.C. (July 1, 2021). Online Learning Policy – Students with Special Needs (Interim). https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/online-learning-policy-students-with-special-needs.
Government of B.C. (n.d.). Online Learning Brochure. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/support/online-learning/online_learning_infosheet_september2021.pdf.

Broader learning opportunities

• Groups cannot sing or play for longer than 30 minutes at a time. 10-minute breaks needed.
• Masks required for singing indoors from K-3 (students with exemptions to be given non-singing roles).
• Additional physical distancing and hygiene measures required to allow for in-person PE classes. Outdoor activities preferred with spectator attendance reduced to 1/3 of fire capacity.
• Fieldtrip locations to host one classroom at a time with outdoors activities strongly recommended.
• Schools to follow Chief Medical Officer of Health orders when holding extracurricular activities and field trips.
• Students to carry out work experience placements in accordance with the health rules set out by the workplace

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

The province has provided curriculum resources to support teachers delivering online learning.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• January 2022 diploma exams are cancelled, and decisions will be made later about April, June, and August exams.
• If diploma exams are administered in the spring, they will be worth 10% of a student’s final mark.
• AB Education Ministers have sent an open letter to post-secondary institutions asking them to take the impact of the pandemic into consideration as the review students’ applications.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Alberta no longer tracks or reports on COVID cases in schools.
• There is no vaccine mandate for students or staff.
• Additional physical distancing and hygiene measures required to allow for in-person classes.
• Province will deliver at-home rapid tests and medical grade masks by January 14.

Remote learning

• School authorities have the flexibility to shift classes or grades to short-term online learning if needed to address “operational challenges” – which can include lack of staff.
• Decisions to shift whole districts to online will be made by the provincial government. In both cases, student and staff absentee rates and public health data will be considered.
• Online learning is available as a choice in some boards, but in Calgary in Edmonton choice to switch is no longer available.

Student supports

• Beginning January 11, students in grades 4 to 9 and their parents can access LearnAlberta’s e-Tutoring Hub which has a series of videos intended to help students catch up on important skills. The province intends to expand the initiative over time based on feedback from school authorities, parents, and students.
• Comprehensive School Health (CSH) Framework to be used as the recovery approach to support the school community and establish a continuum of supports and services. The four components of the CSH Framework include:
  • Social and physical environment
  • Teaching and learning
  • Policy
  • Partnerships and services

• For further information see “A Mental Health and Well-being Continuum of Supports and Services.“

Sources:
Government of Alberta (October 2021). COVID-19 Information: Guidance for Schools (K-12) and School Buses. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/eca63dc4-1fd4-4eb4-9e3d-572d6004c0f8/resource/4a211c4f-8415-4e59-8f9e-61af5a152610/download/health-covid-19-information-guidance-schools-k12-school-buses-2021-10.pdf.
Office of the Minister of Education (October 27, 2021). Letter to the Presidents of Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions. https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/edu-ministers-letter-diploma-exams.pdf.
Government of Alberta (October 2021). Parents’ Guide 2021-22 School Year. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/181fd1bd-44c0-45ec-b3a5-5cbc92a34df0/resource/9e2c95d6-80d7-437c-bf48-164a98d30acb/download/edc-parents-guide-2021-22-school-year-2021-10.pdf.
Government of Alberta (September 2021). 2021-2022 School Year: A Mental Health and Well-being Continuum of Supports and Services. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/4b48bd28-e044-4b38-8f90-98d61b1540d5/resource/adf59695-7302-4a92-99ec-43a6a98d78bc/download/edc-mental-health-wellbeing-continuum-supports-services-2021-2022-school-year.pdf.

Broader learning opportunities

Regular activities to be resumed.

Data collection

Reading data to be collected from students in grades 1 to 5 to support creation of specialized reading plans. The strategy does not stipulate provincial reporting or data-collection.

Educator resources

• Interim education plan extended into coming school year.
• Plan includes additional reading supports for students in grades 1 to 5 and mental health supports for students and staff.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Provincial exams are optional for the 2021-22.
• Reading data will be collected from students in grades 1 to 5. This will allow educational professionals to create specialized reading plans where needed to meet students at their individual skill levels.
• High school students will be able to obtain credits through a variety of educational avenues, such as classes offered out of grade order, special project credits and online classes.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Saskatchewan continues to update its COVID Cases in Schools site.
• Public Health orders extended to February 28, 2022. No vaccine mandate or provincial provision of N95 masks.
• Provincial COVID measures include requirement for masks in all public places and requires staff to provide proof of vaccination status.
• Provincial protocol in place for vaccinated and non-vaccinated students.
• Schools will provide notifications of COVID-19 cases, based on self-reporting from students and staff.
• Positive COVID-19 test results must reported to school office. The school will send notifications to families.
• Rapid tests available in 500 locations and in some schools.

Remote learning

Based on advice from public health, schools can shift to online learning during outbreaks or due to unavailability of staff.

Student supports

Interim Education Plan sets 3 priorities to be implemented by school divisions and participating First Nations education authorities. Priorities include recognizing impact of COVID-19, by providing high school students with flexible learning opportunities including capacity to obtain credits out of grade order, through special projects, and online classes.

The Plan also includes a commitment to funding to for mental health supports for staff and students including things like bullying prevention, promotion of positive mental health, student safety and Mental Health first aid training for school divisions. There are few details as to how this will be rolled out.

Sources:
Government of Saskatchewan (n.d.). 2021-2022 Safe Schools Plan. https://www.stf.sk.ca/sites/default/files/safe_schools_plan_2021-22_002.pdf
Government of Saskatchewan (n.d.). Ministry of Education Plan for 2021-2022. https://pubsaskdev.blob.core.windows.net/pubsask-prod/126402/EducationPlan2021-22.pdf

Broader learning opportunities

• Extra-curricular activities, field trips and overnights are permitted in accordance with public health guidance and orders
• Wind instruments and indoor singing are allowed, while ensuring adequate ventilation and encouraging physical distancing, and thorough cleaning of instruments.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

• Remote Learning Resource Centre includes a wide range of resources for educators.
• Restoring Safe Schools strategy includes resources for staff, students, and families.
• Province has provided mental health and wellbeing tip sheets for staff.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Student assessment and evaluation will proceed.
• The Grade 3 Assessment in Reading, Lecture and Numeracy and the Grade 4 Assessment in French Immersion Lecture, and the Middle Years Assessment of Key Competencies in Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Expository Writing will continue.
• The Grade 12 provincial tests will not proceed in 2021/2022 and the province will work towards the development of an assessment in Grade 10.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Manitoba continues to update its COVID-19 Dashboard to track staff and student COVID cases.
• Rapid tests being distributed to all school divisions.
• For the 2021/2022 school year, cohorts will be used in kindergarten to Grade 6 to assist with contact tracing and minimize exposure.
• Masks are required for all students, and staff must provide proof of vaccination.
• Outdoor learning activities are encouraged.

Remote learning

• The province launched the Manitoba Remote Learning Support Centre in January 2021 to provide direct remote learning supports to kindergarten to Grade 8 students and teachers. It also provides remote learning for immunocompromised students and those with household members who are.
• Several remote leaning platforms available in Grades 9-12: InformNet handbook.
• Teachers to provide at home learning packages for students isolating.

Student supports

• Investments were made to improve mental health services including increased access to Canadian Mental Health Association resources such as service navigation specialists, peer support, and supports for students and staff.
• The province also provided mental health and wellbeing strategies:
  • Tips for students – here
  • Tips for Parents and Caregivers – here

Sources:
Government of Manitoba (n.d.). COVID-19 Education Plan. https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/
Government of Manitoba (October 22, 2021). Restoring Safe Schools: Planning Guide for 2021/2022 School Year. https://news.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2021/08/K-12_FallPlanning_Aug2021_FNL.pdf
Government of Manitoba (October 1, 2021). Preparedness for the Fourth Wave – Additional Preventative Measures. https://gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/covid/response_management-k12.pdf

Broader learning opportunities

• As of January 2022, no high contact indoor sports or high intensity activities, no music and mandatory masking for all indoor sports.
• Virtual co-op placements now expected where in-person is not feasible.
• Co-op learning plans to be modified by educators if placements cannot be completed in person or online.
• Mandatory community involvement hours for high school students reduced by 50% to 20 hours until the 2022-2023 school year.

Data collection

• School boards are expected to report to the Ministry of Education no later than July 31st on a range of data including things like numbers of exemptions from online learning and alternative approaches provided, and parent and student feedback on impact of remote learning.
• The province has also provided funding for reading assessments for primary school students.
• The strategy does not stipulate provincial reporting or data-collection.

Educator resources

Remote learning policy includes requirement that school boards provide educators with subject-specific training to support remote learning including things like effective pedagogy and assessment.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

While the province has announced that EQAO testing will take place in grades 3,6,9, and 10, some boards have announced that Grade 9 students who took mathematics in the first semester will not be required to participate in the Grade 9 EQAO math test.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• As of January 24, 2022, Ontario will report daily on school closures and staff and student absences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• All students and staff must self-screen every day – screening protocol amended to address Omicron.
• Province is providing N95 masks to all staff in schools and child care, and 2 rapid tests for staff and students in child care and elementary schools.
• High school students will be provided with rapid tests on an as-needed basis.
• Starting in February 2022, school boards can move to regular secondary school schedules with four in-person classes per day unless it is not permitted by the local public health unit.
• As of January 2022, only low contact extracurricular activities are permitted.

Remote learning

• All boards are required to offer parents and students the choice of learning remotely.
• The province has extensive Remote Learning Requirements including a minimum of 300 minutes of learning opportunities daily with a minimum of 180 minutes of synchronous learning for kindergarten students and 225 minutes for students in Grades 1 to 12.
• School boards must provide a process for students to be exempt from remote learning requirements. They must also ensure that students have access to remote learning devices and the Internet.

Student supports

• School Mental Health Ontario is providing resources for students, families, and education staff to support students’ and staff mental health during the pandemic.
• Mental health and wellbeing are mandatory topics for PA days with resources provided by the ministry.
• Ontario back-to-school strategy includes funding for tutoring and online math supports. Funding also provided to school boards to support equity initiatives including additional staff such as Student Success Leads, Equity Leads, Indigenous Education Leads, Indigenous Graduation Coaches and Black Graduation Coaches.

Sources:
Government of Ontario (n.d.). COVID-19: Health, safety, and operational guidance for schools (2021-2022). https://www.ontario.ca/document/covid-19-health-safety-and-operational-guidance-schools-2021-2022/introduction.
Government of Ontario (August 13, 2020). Requirements for Remote Learning (Policy/Program Memorandum 164). https://www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-164.

Broader learning opportunities

• Students completing health practicums are required to be fully vaccinated and in compliance with the health regulations.
• As of January, in-person extracurricular activities as well as field trips, interscholastic activities, tournaments, and competitions were suspended.
• Extracurriculars may continue virtually.
• Activities such as sports and arts that are part of “special pedagogical projects” may continue.
• Vaccination passports required for secondary school students to participate in sports activities.

Data collection

The province is supporting ongoing research using things like students’ grades to track impact of the pandemic. There is currently no plan for provincial reporting or data-collection.

Educator resources

• Educational institutions are responsible for implementing an employee assistance program (EAP) to support the members of their staff who are experiencing difficult situations.
• Remote learning resources available for staff, students, and parents.
• Province recommends using Getting Better My Way app to support mental health and well-being.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Two report cards will be provided during the 2021-2022 school year. The first is to be sent no later than February 11, 2022.The second report card will be sent no later than July 10, 2022.
• Compulsory and uniform examinations will be reintroduced this year, however their weighting will be reduced to 10% and 20% respectively of students’ final marks.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Quebec has been tracking case counts in schools, but the tracker has not been updated recently.
• Quebec has comprehensive policy covering screening and safety.
• All pre-school and elementary school students will receive kits with 5 rapid tests.
• Masks mandatory in all classes and on buses.
• Schools may decide that attendance will alternate for different grade levels on more than one day, which does not necessarily mean that students belong to stable class groups (e.g., 9-day cycle schedule).

Remote learning

• Remote learning available to those who are vulnerable to COVID-19 or live with people that are.
• To continue with remote learning, students with medical exemptions to be revaluated on a yearly basis.
• Remote learning services to be provided to preschool to secondary students should COVID cases get worse.

Student supports

Quebec has a Revitalization Plan for Educational Success focused on reducing learning gaps and supporting students’ mental health and well-being. Plan was developed in consultation with education stakeholders.

Plan includes tutoring, supports for teachers, gradual return to pedagogical frameworks.

• Full plan
• Summary

Sources:
Government of Quebec (January 7, 2022). Directives for Educational Institutions in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/adm/min/education/publications-adm/covid-19/consignes-scolaire-AN.pdf?1638563542.
Government of Quebec (n.d.). Guidelines specific to education (COVID-19). https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/guidelines-education-covid#c110275.

Broader learning opportunities

• NB has a comprehensive school safety plan for winter 2022.
• As of January 2022, “no organized sport or other organized activities for children under 12. For those 12 and older, practices and skills drills are permitted involving only one team at a time.”
• After-school events are permitted, but proof of vaccination is required.
• Field trips are allowed only under Level 1. They will be cancelled under level 2.
• Only vaccinated students can participate in any clubs, musical performances or practices, or student support activities.
• Only vaccinated students may participate in any form of indoor or outdoor extracurricular activities or sports.

Data collection

Province is using provincial assessments to track impact of COVID on student performance in English and French reading, science and mathematics. There is currently no plan for provincial reporting or data-collection.

Educator resources

N/A

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Students write provincial assessments in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
• Math and scientific assessments were paused in 20-21 due to the pandemic.
• There is no updated information for 2022.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• As of January 2022, families will be responsible for notifying school principals when children test positive. Public Health will no longer confirm positive cases.
• Province updated its health and safety protocols for schools and child care centres in December. Schools and school districts will move in and out of “alert levels” under the guidance of Regional Public Health.
• New Brunswick has vaccine mandates for students for some diseases, but it currently does not include the COVID vaccine.
• Ongoing measures include mask requirements, mandatory vaccine for staff (or proof of negative tests0, and virtual assemblies.

Remote learning

• Province has a range of resources for families to support learning at home.
• To ensure learning continuity Kindergarten – Grade 8 may include home learning kits, homework, or a mix of virtual and paper-based learning.

Student supports

• Commitment made to support well-being by modelling safe and healthy behaviours in collaboration with school boards.
• Province invested $7mn for interdepartmental mental health services.

Sources:
Government of New Brunswick (January 10, 2022). Healthy and Safe Schools – School Winter Plan Kindergarten to Grade 8. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/K12/k-8-winter-plan.pdf
Government of New Brunswick (January 10, 2022). Healthy and Safe Schools – School Winter Plan Grades 9-12.
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/K12/9-12-winter-plan.pdf
Government of New Brunswick (October 2021). Healthy and Safe Schools: 2021-22 Guidelines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/2021-22-guidelines.pdf

Broader learning opportunities

• Sports that fall under the auspices of Sport Nova Scotia will follow community public health requirements which limits numbers of participants, mandates masks, and prohibits spectators for games, competitions and tournaments.
• Wherever possible extracurricular activities, clubs, field trips, and sports should take place virtually. If that is not possible, they should be organized within cohorts.
• If it is considered critical that a club or activity take place in person, such as may be the case for the integrated activities and services provide under SchoolsPlus, then physical distancing and masking should be maintained.
• Field trips can resume if public health restrictions in the community are followed.
• Any out-of-province trips need to be approved by the Regional Centre of Education/Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. Schools will not be able to schedule international field trips.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

• Teacher resources are available to support with back to school here.
• The province also has a range of digital resources to support learning, for students, staff, and families.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Nova Scotia has provincial assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics in grades 3, 6, and 8. The assessments are continuing in the pandemic but for 2021-22, only outcomes that are foundational and measurable on large scale assessments will be included in the assessments. To reflect this change the Grade 8 assessments will be reduced to 60 minutes sessions.
• Grade 10 examinations in Mathematics and English will be administered in June 2022.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Nova Scotia has returned to a pre-COVID-19 protocol where school administrators notify public health when 10% of students are absent, at which time public health will investigate causes.
• Nova Scotia Returning to Class safety measures include mandatory masks, suspension of school assemblies and gatherings, and a proof of vaccination or proof of exemption for all staff and school visitors.
• The province provides free rapid test kits for students.

Remote learning

Nova Scotia’s Learning from Home policy outlines expectations by grade as well as expectations for teachers.

Student supports

• Parent resources provide outline of school safety programs.
• The province has provided policy for Instruction delivery to students with specialized needs in its COVID-19 Guidance Students with Specialized Healthcare Needs.
• The province has also launched a Healthy Schools Fund to provide support for programs that support physical and mental health or cultural awareness.

Sources:
Government of N.S. (May 2021). 2021-2022 Program of learning assessment for Nova Scotia (Plans). https://plans.ednet.ns.ca/sites/default/files/documents/2021-2022%20PLANS.pdf
Government of N.S. (n.d.). Back To School – Living with COVID 19: Update on Plans for Learning from Home 2021-2022. https://backtoschool.ednet.ns.ca/learning-from-home.
Government of N.S. (n.d.). Back To School – Living with COVID 19: Returning to Class for 2021-22.

Broader learning opportunities

• The province’s Return to School Plan provides guidelines for participation in experiential learning (e.g., skilled trades courses, home economics, music, physical education, and fine arts), extracurricular activities, clubs and field trips depending on the province’s risk level.
  • High-Risk: Extracurricular activities and field trips are unlikely and must align with public health recommendations. Courses where physical distancing is difficult or that require cleaning and disinfecting equipment will require greater modifications.
  • Low-Risk: Field trips, inter-school sports events, arts events and other special interest activities can resume.
• No proof of vaccination required to participate in extracurriculars (e.g., sports, art, drama, dance), but spectators including students must have proof of vaccination.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

• The province’s Professional Learning Series has resources for teachers to support students’ social emotional learning, and to help teachers as they respond to “the impact of trauma on student learning, behaviour and relationships.”
• School districts offer professional development for teachers in the use of digital tools.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Final public examinations have been cancelled for the 2021-22 school year. The exams for graduating students, were worth 40% of students’ final marks.
• An August 2021 memo outlines core principles for assessment during the pandemic including providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding and application of key concepts.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• As of January 2022, rapid tests are available for all students.
• The province’s Return to School Plan outline 3 Learning Scenarios for schools:
  • Scenario 1: Low COVID transmission, regular in-school classes for all K – 12 students, cohorting not required.
  • Scenario 2: High COVID risk, in-class instruction for K to 6 classes if possible, in-person learning for all students with exceptionalities or who require additional supports, otherwise50/50 split between in-person and remote learning.
  • Scenario 3: High risk, all in-person classes are suspended, and all students learn remotely. Teachers are in attendance at school, but teaching remotely, unless the school has been ordered closed by public health.

Remote learning

For a student to be approved for remote learning, parents/guardians must provide the school with a Request for Access to Remote Learning along with medical documentation from a specialist doctor indicating that the student is immunocompromised and cannot attend school face-to-face.

Student supports

• The province has a site with access to mental health supports for students.
• In its guidance to schools for Learning at Home the province encourages a focus on social/emotional learning and mental health.

Sources:
Government of NL (August 12, 2021). Department of Education and School Districts Provide Update on Return to K-12 School Plans for September 2021 (news release). https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2021/education/0812n01.
Government of NL (September 2021). Return to School Plan: Together Again. https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/K-12-School-Plans-September-2021.pdf.

Broader learning opportunities

• As of January 2022, all school sports and competitions will be suspended.
• Extracurricular activities such as band and clubs may continue with physical distancing.
• Practices, training with teams, and competitions will be reintroduced when deemed safe and follow guidelines for community sports and recreation.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

N/A

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

Exams for high school students are cancelled for the term. Marks for those students will be based on class-based assessments.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• When schools return to in-person learning, all students and staff must take two rapid tests 48 hours apart. They may attend school if both tests are negative.
• Students will be asked to take rapid tests up to three times per week, and all students and staff must complete daily home screening for symptoms using the province’s COVID-19 symptom screening tool.
• Public Health Guidelines as of January 2022, include mandatory mask-wearing for all K to 12 students, staff, and school visitors, and a prohibition against in-school gatherings, assemblies, or events such as concerts, or school dances.

Remote learning

• As of January 24, 2022, PEI school are closed for in-person learning.
• A provincial FAQ website, updated in January 2022, provides information to parents including things like provincial guidelines for remote learning hours by grade, and information about assessments and remote learning.

Student supports

• The province has launched a School-Based Support Program for students who are struggling academically or socially. The program will be staffed by substitute teachers who will provide one-one-one supports to students identified either by their families or their teachers.
• Student wellbeing team services available for students and their families. Trained professionals to provide support to ensure student well-being (early intervention).
• The Strongest Families program is for children, youth and parents seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being, Bridge the gap provides online supports for families and youth, and both the The Island Helpline 1-800-218-2885 (toll-free) and the Kids Help Phone are staffed with professionals.

Sources:
CBC News (January 13, 2022). P.E.I. students not back in classrooms until at least Jan. 24. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-thursday-briefing-1.6313344
Government of P.E.I. (n.d.). A Guide for Parents and Students 2021-2022. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/remote_learning_-_a_guide_for_parents_and_students.pdf.
Government of P.E.I. (August 2021). Prince Edward Island COVID-19 Back-to-School Public Health Guidance 2021 – 2022. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/cphobacktoschool2021-2022.pdf.
Government of P.E.I. (n.d.) 2021-22 School Year Public Health Measures. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/back_to_school_elevated_risk_and_outbreak_management.pdf.

Broader learning opportunities

• Students to engage in experiential learning trough service learning and place-based learning.
• International and out of-territory field trips are not currently permitted.

Data collection

The Yukon K to 12 Education Recovery Plan includes a range of proposals for assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. It does not include plans for overall territorial assessments or data collection.

Educator resources

• The Yukon K to 12 Education Recovery Plan includes a range of resources for school staff.
• Yukon Student Support Services provides support to school staff, families, students, and communities, including things supporting school-based teams, providing written or oral feedback, assessing individual students, and providing professional development for staff.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

Yukon high school students write the same graduation assessments as BC students including literacy assessments in Grade 10 and 12, and a numeracy assessment in Grade 10.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• As of January 2022, all Yukon students, K-12 return to full-day, in-class instruction five days per week.
• Yukon schools have moved to school-based surveillance for COVID, and possible exposures are reported to the local school community. Overall cases in schools are no longer reported by Communicable Disease Control.
• Masks are mandatory for all students.
• The Yukon K to 12 Education Recovery Plan includes things like health and safety guidelines, supports for addressing the impact of COVID-19 on students and families, and guidelines for supporting students with diverse abilities or special needs.

Remote learning

• Yukon has comprehensive guidelines for schools during the pandemic, including a range of scenarios for adapting school operations.
• Immunocompromised students or those in families with immunocompromised members to attend or cross-enroll, in virtual school for the 2021-22 school year.
• School Administrators were asked to lend devices to students who don’t have them, and for students without internet access, administrators were responsible for finding other options in the community where students can access the internet.

Student supports

• Yukon Student Support Services provides a rage of staff including psychologists, social workers, and student support consultants to help schools provide appropriate resources and supports for students.
• Schools will continue to offer programs and individualized support for students with disabilities and students needing additional supports.
• The Yukon Education Recovery Plan includes guidance on supporting students educational and mental health.
• Mental Health Counselling Supports are available for students and families. School staff to communicate the supports that are available to families, including specific information on how to access these supports and available community resources that can help support ongoing learning and family well-being.

Sources:
Government of Yukon (n.d.). Education and School Supports: COVID-19. https://yukon.ca/en/education-and-school-supports-covid-19.
Government of Yukon (December 14, 2021). Yukon Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education Recovery Plan: Guidelines for Schools for the 2021-22 School Year.

Broader learning opportunities

• Learning and additional school activities are recommended outdoors whenever possible. This can include classroom activities, physical education, recess, lunch, and snack time.
• Indoor drama classes, choir, assemblies, intramurals, tournaments, and high-contact sports are on hold.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

Mental wellness supports are available for education staff through Starling Minds – a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program provided in partnership the NWT Teachers’ Association and the NWT government – and Lifespeak, which provides a range of resources, videos, and information on a range of mental health and wellbeing topics.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• January diploma exams are cancelled, and 100% of graduating students’ final marks will be based on schoolwork.
• NT still plans to administer Alberta Achievement Tests for grades 6 and 9 students in the spring. (NT uses AB standardized testing).
• High school programming (Grades 10-12) and graduation requirements will return to normal.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• NWT will use a “school outbreak decision-making algorithm” to determine next steps when COVID-19 cases are reported.
• Masks are mandatory for all students and staff, and they must also screen for symptoms daily using the Daily Symptom Screening Tool for Students, School Staff and Early Childhood Care Workers.
• Students who are well are expected to attend school for in-person learning.

Remote learning

• Remote learning is available only for students who cannot attend schools for health reasons, or when the Public Health orders schools closed.
• Each special circumstance will be evaluated by a health-care practitioner, on a case-by-case basis, to determine whether it is safe to attend school.

Student supports

• The NWT Community Counselling Program provides counselling for families and children. Mental wellness counselling services will continue to be available to students either in-person or through virtual care technology and telephone services.
• Virtual workshops and resources for education staff are available and contact information for counselling support is available through NWT schools.

Source:
Government of NWT (September 14, 2021). GNWT Response to COVID-19: JK-12 School Information. https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/en/backtoschool.

Broader learning opportunities

• Field trips are not recommended until vaccination targets are met.
• Health and Safety Guidelines for Nunavut Schools suggests that land-based programs, sports activities, and other extracurricular activities should continue if they follow public health guidelines and participants are eligible to be vaccinated.

Data collection

N/A

Educator resources

• Educator Toolbox available to all school staff that includes key documents, guidelines, templates, and other supporting resources that schools can use, adapt, and share.
• School staff to focus on recovery learning by implementing core learning outcomes and providing differentiation in instruction and assessment.

Examinations, assessments, and graduation

• Learning to Be Together Again outlines a range of assessment strategies, including the use of “triangulation” for formative assessment – a combination of observation, conversations, products)
• Learning to Be Together also advises teachers to provide students opportunities for self-assessment and to use strategies that recognize each student’s unique talents and skills and do not need to be formalized tests or measures.
• Nunavut has a Professional Development Framework with a range of resources for school staff, and funding is available through the Professional Development Council for schools that want to establish a professional learning community to further explore ideas around assessment, or for individual educators who want to take credit or non-credit courses or engage in action research.

In-person school safety measures and COVID case reporting

• Nunavut Health and Safety Guidelines for Schools outline mask policies, provide tools to encourage vaccination of students, and direction for things like cohorting.
• Schools across Nunavut will begin opening on a case-by-case basis beginning on Jan. 24, depending on each community’s COVID-19 status. Some schools are opening at 50% capacity.
• Teachers can return to schools on Jan. 17 and students will learn remotely until they return to school, either through the online learning platform, Edsby, or through take-home learning packages.

Remote learning

• To support remote learning, the Education Department has distributed digital devices to communities.
• As outlined in Learning to Be Together Again, schools and educators should have remote learning plans which include a communication plan to ensure schools stay connected to individual students and families; “learning packages” for each student with learning materials and assignments to be used for assessment; and a plan to distribute technological devices to students to ensure they have what they need for communication and remote instruction.

Student supports

• In its Learning to Be Together Again guidelines produced for the return to school in the fall of 2021, Nunavut Education encourages teachers to use recovery learning, “a responsive process that enables students to transition back to in-class learning, while addressing mental and physical well-being and student achievement.”
• Schools are encouraged to use the RESTORE Toolkit for Nunavut Schools which provide schools with practical supports and guidance around how to respond to the social and emotional needs of your school community.

Sources:
Nunatsiaq News (January 11, 2022). Schools to open on case-by-case basis, says Nunavut education minister. https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/schools-to-open-by-case-by-case-basis-says-nunavut-education-minister/
Government of Nunavut (n.d.). Learning to Be Together Again: Support for Nunavut Schools in 2021-22. https://gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/learning_to_be_together_again_engwith_table_of_contents_and_cover_1.pdf.
Government of Nunavut (n.d.). 2021-22 Health and Safety Guidelines for Nunavut Schools. https://gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/2021-22_health_and_safety_guidelines_eng_with_table_of_contents.pdf.