Ministry of Education data show that the student-teacher ratio in B.C.’s public schools improved slightly over the last 14 years, according to 24 Hours. A typical full-time teacher watched over 18.36 students in 2015/16, compared to 19.1 students in 2009/10, and 18.99 students in 2001/2.
But many educators say classrooms are more crowded and have fewer supports than in the past. UBC education professor Michelle Stack told 24 Hours the numbers don’t paint the whole picture.
“We have to look at it in terms of, what is the experience of children….Are there education assistants in class supporting teachers? Are teachers working with kids without supports for assessments?” she said.
