Parents Demand Delay in English Curriculum Over Reading Concerns

Parents in Manitoba are calling for a halt to the rollout of a new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum due to ongoing concerns about how public schools teach reading. This initiative coincides with an investigation by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, which is examining the rights of students with reading disabilities.

The updated kindergarten-to-Grade 12 ELA curriculum is set for release in September 2023. Many parents, including Alexis Kanu, are questioning the timing of this launch, especially as the commission’s inquiry, known as the “Right to Read,” has been ongoing since October 2022. Delays in the inquiry have been attributed to various factors, including natural disasters. Nonetheless, recommendations from the commission are expected this fall.

Kanu, who has an 11-year-old daughter named Imogen with dyslexia, expressed her frustration, stating, “This government claims that they’re a listening government, but they seem to be plugging their ears.” She believes it is counterproductive to implement a new ELA curriculum while the commission investigates complaints about the effectiveness of current literacy instruction.

In response to these concerns, Kanu attended a recent event organized by the commission, where she learned about shared challenges in literacy education. This event inspired a summer letter-writing campaign initiated by the Caregiver Advocates for Literacy Equity. The campaign urges Education Minister Tracy Schmidt to delay the curriculum release until the findings from the Right to Read inquiry can be reviewed.

Many letter-writers echo Kanu’s sentiments, advocating for the province to consult experts in neuroscience, phonics, and dyslexia. “I’d like them to recognize that kids in the school system right now have been failed by literacy instruction,” Kanu remarked. “Manitoba has, for too long, funded approaches for literacy that are not evidence-based, and that’s harmed our kids.”

In Kanu’s case, her family sought private assessment for Imogen after their concerns were overlooked by the public school system. Advocates for dyslexia emphasize a return to structured literacy, which focuses on systematic teaching of letter-sound relationships. This contrasts with other methods such as whole language and balanced literacy, which prioritize engaging texts and contextual learning.

Minister Schmidt responded to the growing concerns, acknowledging the importance of literacy for students in Manitoba. “We’re listening to Manitobans. We are making sure our curriculum takes a universal, wholesome approach,” she stated, highlighting the feedback she has received during her ten-month tenure. Schmidt noted that curriculum reviewers have studied practices in Ontario and other regions to inform the new guidelines.

As the human rights commission prepares to release its final report, it will incorporate feedback from families, educators, and other stakeholders. Schmidt confirmed that adjustments to the renewed ELA curriculum will be made based on these findings. The education department plans to fully implement the new curriculum by the 2026-27 academic year.

This ongoing debate emphasizes the need for effective literacy instruction in schools, particularly for students facing challenges. As parents continue to advocate for their children’s educational needs, the outcome of the Right to Read inquiry will play a crucial role in shaping the future of literacy education in Manitoba.