Achi news desk-
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is sounding the alarm on increasing school aggression.
The ATA releases the full results of the December survey in which it asked its members about challenges in the classroom.
Jason Schilling, president of the ATA, will analyze the findings of the survey and what the organization would like to see changed in a news conference at 10:30 am on Tuesday.
One of the most significant themes to emerge from the survey was an increase in aggressive behaviour.
Early data shows that half of teachers and three quarters of school leaders report being confronted with aggressive behaviour.
Around 75 per cent of aggression came from students, while parents accounted for another 11 per cent. The final 14 per cent came from a combined other category, which includes community members and other staff.
The survey also found that aggression is not just directed at educators – 75 percent of teachers also said they had heard hateful or degrading comments this year among students.
The most common comments focused on sexual orientation and race.
The ATA says the increase in aggression stems from the loss of social and emotional skills during the pandemic, a decline in empathy and the harmful effects of social media.
He is now calling to prioritize staff safety and improve training and support for teachers.
It recommends creating stronger parental accountability and a consistent and fair disciplinary system.
He would also like to see better reporting of aggression.
