Dinn Slams Government for Cutting Curriculum Instead of Addressing Class Sizes

NL NDP
Feb 11
2 min read

For Immediate Release

February 11, 2025

NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is outraged by governments proposed changes to the Grade 7-9 curriculum, calling them a weakening of the education system. He says the government is prioritizing shortcuts over real solutions, ignoring the urgent need for smaller class sizes and better resources to support students and teachers.

Dinn has heard from teachers who say the government's decision to strip down requirements for French, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Home Economics—under the guise of increasing engagement—is deeply damaging. At best, it undermines the value of these subjects.

“Government continues to miss the mark on what truly needs to be fixed in our education system,” said Dinn. “Instead of addressing overcrowded junior high classrooms or tackling deeper issues like social inequality, government is choosing to weaken vital subjects like social studies and creative courses such as art and music, pretending that’s a solution.”

Dinn is also questioning why these drastic changes are being made outside of the Education Accord process, which is supposed to focus on improving student engagement and learning outcomes.

“Education Accord NL promotes student-centered learning, but if that were truly the goal, the Department would be addressing class size and composition, and other factors affecting student success,” said Dinn. “There wouldn’t be classes of 35 in junior high. Smaller class sizes would give teachers the time and capacity to build relationships and ensure students get the support they need to succeed.”

Dinn says this is yet another example of the government making sweeping changes without a real plan.

“Just like they had no plan to integrate NLESD into the Department, they have no plan to improve educational outcomes. Instead of investing in the resources our schools desperately need, they’re gutting critical programs. When will this government actually listen to teachers about what’s happening in their classrooms?”

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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca