No decision on hybrid classrooms for Mississauga, Brampton students

Despite a report from one of its trustees, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) announced no decision has yet been made on whether to continue hybrid learning for the 2021-22 school year.

One of the challenges teachers faced during the past school year, where some students attended class in-person while others only appeared virtually, was dividing their attention between the two sets of students.

Nokha Dakroub, the PDSB trustee for Mississauga Wards 9 & 10, tweeted last week that the board “will NOT be proceeding with the hybrid model for elementary students in September.” She doubled-down on her statement in a followup reply, confirming her information.

#BREAKINGNEWS @PeelSchools will NOT be proceeding with the hybrid model for elementary students in September.

It's hard on staff, bad for students & we can & must do better.#NoHybrid #HybridHurtsKids @ETFOPeel

Tell your friends. pic.twitter.com/jUWbXq9ojo

— Nokha Dakroub (@NokhaDakroub) May 18, 2021

The PDSB, however, says no firm decision has been made.

“On May 18, 2021, we shared an update with all staff and families regarding learning models for the 2021-22 school year. We are hopeful that schools and staff will return to in-person learning and working in the new school year,” said a release from the board.

“PDSB will survey families in the summer to learn their preferences for online learning or in-person in the first term, as we recognize families may need more time to consider the changing health environment over the next two months. PDSB schools will use the data we collect from families to make decisions about the number of online and in-person classes that will be available.”

The board said they recognize the classroom setting offers many benefits for student learning, mental health and well-being. But they also understand some students and families have found success with online learning. The board said they will offer two learning options: in-person and fully-online.

The disconnect between the two parties comes with how the online learners will be handled. The hybrid model the board has not ruled out would see teachers continue to deal with both online and in-person students at the same time.

Dakroub’s tweet implied the online learners will be grouped together, more by subject than school, and would be handled by a separate teacher.

“In the coming weeks, we will provide more information for our students and their families to help them make the best decision. We appreciate their patience as we continue to work with the Ministry of Education and Peel Public Health to plan for a smooth and safe return to learning in the new school year,” said the PDSB release.

Despite numerous attempts, Dakroub could not be reached for comment.