NDP calls on province to address the digital divide in education

With Saskatchewan schoolchildren needing access to Wi-Fi and a phone, laptop, or tablet to participate in online learning activities with their classmates, some kids are being left behind. The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the province to work with stakeholders to close the digital divide for Saskatchewan schoolkids.

“Teachers, school divisions and parents have stepped up in so many ways for our kids in these difficult times,” said NDP Education Critic Carla Beck, “but we know there’s a sharp digital divide in our communities that is leaving some kids isolated from their peers and falling behind.

“We are urging the province to work with school divisions and teachers to ensure that every school has a technology equity plan and resources available to close the digital divide for Saskatchewan kids.”

Beck was joined by Shannon Chappell, a single mom of three school-age kids in Saskatoon. Shannon lost her job and began receiving Social Services benefits while she upgrades her skills and looks to change careers. The only device she has at home capable of accessing the internet is one mobile phone.

One of Chappell’s children attends a special program and has special needs. His classroom was his outlet for socialization, and he is desperately missing his classmates. Another is in Grade 8, does well academically, and is very concerned about falling behind before she enters high school.

“My kids miss their classmates, they miss their teachers, and they’re frustrated that they can’t participate fully in their school activities,” said Chappell. “We shouldn’t be letting Saskatchewan kids slip through the cracks like this.”

“The solutions are here in our communities, but the government should be taking the lead and committing the necessary resources to close this gap,” said Beck. “Why haven’t they already moved to make this happen?”

Latest posts

JEREMY COCKRILL IS FORCING HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO A STRIKE VOTE — AND HIS OWN COMMUNITY WILL PAY THE PRICE

Pattern Of Failed Bargaining Attempts Mean Workers Leaving For Good And Putting System In Increasing Danger: Roy
NORTH BATTLEFORD – Carla Beck’s team is in Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill’s own riding today, calling him out for forcing 14,000 desperately needed healthcare workers to vote on a strike as they have gone four years without a contract.

CARLA BECK’S TEAM CALLS FOR ACTION TO SUPPORT SASKATCHEWAN PRODUCERS IN WAKE OF DAMNING REPORT ON PRODUCERS BEING SHORTED AND SQUEEZED

Agriculture Producers Association Of Saskatchewan Says Costs Rising, Farm Share Falling For Saskatchewan Producers
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team, while taking in Ag in Motion in Langham, is calling on Scott Moe and the Sask. Party to take action to improve the bottom line for producers.

THE SASK. PARTY CLAIMS ABOUT IMPROVING SAID PROGRAM DON’T MATCH THE REALITY OF CLIENTS WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING TO GET BY

Scott Moe, Sask. Party Focused On Photo Ops & Political Spin While Those In Need Suffer
REGINA – Today, Carla Beck’s team is calling out the Sask. Party for their continual failures to provide sufficient support for SAID clients here in Saskatchewan.

POTENTIAL HEALTHCARE WORKER STRIKE ENTIRELY THE FAULT OF SCOTT MOE, JEREMY COCKRILL

Carla Beck’s Team Demands A Fair Deal For Frontline Workers After Four Years Without A Contract
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is laying the potential of a fall strike involving thousands of healthcare workers squarely at the feet of Scott Moe and his ignorant Health Minister — who seems to cause strikes everywhere he goes — and demanding immediate action to get to the bargaining table and deliver a fair deal.

NDP Caucus Office