The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation says it is concerned that the Government is moving too fast to create a new Crown Corporation for distance learning.

President Samantha Becotte believes it is a very complex process and if the goal is to make sure all students accessing online classes receive a consistent high quality education then it needs to be done right the first time. Becotte says, “At this time, government doesn’t even have a distance learning policy in place outlining where they are going and where they eventually want to be. Many students from all over Saskatchewan can benefit significantly from a well-run, well-funded and closely monitored online public education system that offers quality instruction from certified Saskatchewan teachers.”

Some of the questions the STF believes need to be answered before moving forward include whether a Crown corporation is the best structure to deliver online public education and whether it is fiscally responsible; when the provincial distance education policy will be finalized and if education sector partners will be consulted in its development; what legislative and regulatory changes will be needed; details regarding the governance structure of the new Crown and what adjustments must be made to structures currently in place for funding, staffing, contracts, roles of principals and capital requirements, as well as how connections will be maintained between local teachers and their nearby schools.

Those are just a few of the issues the STF feels need to be addressed and Becotte, on behalf of the STF, has sent a letter to the Minister of Education raising concerns and asking when the provincial distance education policy will be finalized. STF also wants confirmation that all provincial education sector partners will be consulted before the new policy is finalized.