Physical Safety Concerns of Principals in Ontario’s Virtual Schools

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Principals as Changemakers in Domestic and International Contexts (Table 17)

Abstract

School safety concerns are increasing globally, we some researchers arguing that BIPOC communities in particular may not trust public education systems to keep their children safe because of the long and ongoing history of systemic racism. For these communities, virtual schools may be perceived as a safer option. However, when interviewed, principals working in virtual schools in Ontario, Canada expressed concern about their ability to fulfill their duty of ensuring physical safety in the virtual schools they lead. Insights reported in this study may impact policy makers and practitioners working in virtual schools as these schools transition to become permanent alternative learning options.

Authors

• Ruth MARIE Nielsen, Holliswealth

• Katina E. Pollock, Western University