We feel that if confronted with greater travel distances to French programs, many parents will withdraw their children from learning this important language. In closing schools with French Immersion how have you calculated the global implications to the French program?
There is a broad research consensus supporting the value of smaller (rather than larger) schools in improving standards for education and school environment including the following:
- student safety
- emotional stability of students
- engagement and attendance
- academic achievement and literacy
- graduation rates
Beyond your contracted literature review, have you obtained and studied primary research reports and case studies? Have you taken these studies into consideration when you have made decisions to close schools in Regina and consolidate?
You have publicly stated that ‘smaller is relative,’ however this seems to contradict current research findings, which do not as a rule introduce the concept of relativity. Beyond the conclusion of your own contracted literature review, can you please clarify your research basis for this statement?