Submission #2271

Petition to Oppose Reductions in Pedagogical Support Funding in Prince Edward Island.

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Prince Edward Island to reconsider and halt any proposed reductions to funding for pedagogical support positions within the education system.

Pedagogical support staff play a vital, system-wide role in ensuring the quality, equity, and effectiveness of education. Reducing this support would have far-reaching negative consequences for students, educators, and the broader community.

Key reasons to maintain and strengthen pedagogical support funding:

1. Direct Impact on Student Learning Outcomes
Pedagogical support professionals help teachers implement evidence-based instructional strategies, differentiate learning, and respond to diverse student needs. Their work directly improves literacy, numeracy, and overall academic achievement.

2. Support for Inclusive Education
Modern classrooms include students with a wide range of learning needs, including those with disabilities, language barriers, and varying socio-emotional challenges. Pedagogical support staff are essential in helping teachers adapt instruction so all students can succeed.

3. Teacher Retention and Well-Being
Teachers are facing increasing workloads and burnout. Removing pedagogical support will place additional pressure on educators, leading to higher stress, lower morale, and increased attrition—ultimately harming the stability of the education system.

4. Efficient Use of Public Resources
Investing in pedagogical support is cost-effective. Early intervention and strong instructional support reduce the need for more expensive remediation, specialized services, and long-term interventions later in a student’s academic journey.

5. Consistency and Quality Across Schools
Pedagogical staff help ensure that curriculum standards and best practices are implemented consistently across classrooms and schools, reducing disparities in educational quality.

6. Professional Development and Instructional Improvement
These roles are essential for coaching teachers, introducing new curricula, and supporting ongoing professional learning. Without them, system-wide improvement efforts slow or fail.

7. Positive Long-Term Economic Impact
A strong education system leads to a more skilled workforce, higher employment rates, and reduced social costs. Weakening instructional support undermines these long-term benefits.

8. Support for Rural and Underserved Communities
In smaller or rural schools, pedagogical support staff often fill critical gaps. Cuts would disproportionately affect students who already face fewer resources and opportunities.

9. Alignment with Evidence-Based Education Policy
Research consistently shows that instructional coaching and pedagogical support are among the most effective ways to improve teaching quality and student achievement.

10. Risk of Widening Educational Inequality
Reducing support will most harm vulnerable students, widening achievement gaps and undermining the province’s commitment to equitable education.

Conclusion
Cutting funding for pedagogical support is a short-term measure that risks long-term harm to students, educators, and the province as a whole. We urge the Government of Prince Edward Island to protect and invest in these essential roles to ensure a high-quality, equitable education system for all.

We respectfully call on the Government to:

* Maintain current funding levels for pedagogical support positions
* Engage with educators and stakeholders before making changes
* Invest in strengthening instructional support across the province