Summer session in the Langley School District cannot proceed as planned, the school district announced Wednesday afternoon.
As a result of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation’s indication that its members will picket all summer session sites throughout the province, classes and courses will not be able to operate as previously planned. To mitigate the impact of no summer classes, administrators are beginning to consider options and other learning opportunities for students in the fall.
A press release from the school district says it "is committed to meeting the needs of students and will work closely with families and students to ensure success and graduation."
The Labour Relations Board ruled on Friday, June 27 that summer school programs are essential only for students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 who failed a course during the 2013-2014 year, and will not have the opportunity to make up the course. Langley students failing a class will have the opportunity to take the failed course next year at their school or through Langley Education Centre’s structured or self-paced class offerings (www.lecss.com).
Students taking a remedial class are a very small portion of the number of students enrolled for Langley’s summer programs. The vast majority take summer courses for advancement or enrichment. While the cancellation of summer session may cause concern for some students’ graduation plans, the district says every effort will be made by secondary schools to accommodate these students in the fall to minimize that impact.
To read the full Labour Relations Board (LRB) ruling of June 27, 2014 visit: http://www.bcpsea.bc.ca/documents/publications/TeacherBargainingBulletin/231656632-BC-LRB-interim-order-issued-about-Summer-School.pdf
While the district is disappointed that it is unable to offer summer session this year, the commitment to learners to reach their full potential remains, says spokesman Ken Hoff.
"It is the district’s sincere hope that students will thrive in the fall and that summer programs will continue to grow, and provide outstanding learning opportunities, next year," the press release concludes.