Quebec's Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, announced a series of measures "to compensate" for education lessons that should have been delivered during the strike days held by union members in the public network at the end of 2023.

He said at a Tuesday morning press conference in Montreal that participation in these activities would be voluntary. "We will not force anyone," the minister promised. He added that on the other hand, if [teachers] join the team, they will be paid.

The $300 million plan promised by Mr. Drainville last week provides many catch-up measures, such as expanded tutoring offers and free summer courses for students in the fourth and fifth secondary grades, in addition to some changes in the school calendar.

The plan will start being implemented on Monday, January 29. Until then, each school will be responsible for setting its own strategy. Students facing difficulties who can benefit from catch-up measures, and teachers willing to work extra, must apply by the end of the month.

"Needs vary from student to student, from school to school, and from service center to center, so we will be flexible in implementing the measures," the minister explained, adding that the students' needs will guide us, and the schools and school teams are best suited to assess our students' needs."

Therefore, these school teams will have to determine the extent they can reach, especially regarding the best time to provide remedial services, such as during lunch, in the evening, or during spring break. Drainville said these activities must be organized only outside of school hours.

No exams after June 23...

The plan presented this Tuesday also provides for the possibility of postponing the phase two report card by two weeks as well as reconsidering the weighting of ministry exams, in order to give greater weight to teacher evaluations as was the case during the pandemic.

Ministry of Education tests in Quebec scheduled for May and June will also be postponed by between two and seven days, like those scheduled for this winter. But the minister's promise does not include extending the school calendar, and no ministry exam will be conducted after June 23.

Quebec is also relying on retired education sector personnel and student teachers to help students make up for lost time.

Organizations combating dropout, school perseverance, and literacy, such as Alloprof and Tel-jeunes, will also be invited to provide additional assistance; $42 million will be allocated to them.