Kate White statement on Yukon graduation rates

June 5, 2024

Whitehorse, YT — Kate White, Yukon NDP Leader and MLA for Takhini-Kopper King, made the following statement on Wednesday, June 5:

“We agree with Yukon First Nations Education Directorate’s findings that graduation rates are at least 20 per cent worse than what the Department of Education reports.

The department only counts the students they think are likely to graduate when they calculate the graduation rate. Students who struggle from the beginning are simply left out.

They’re erased from the system and left behind.

This government’s decision to exclude these students tells these kids that they don’t count. It’s clear that Education Minister Jeannie McLean doesn’t believe in our students or our educators.

Once again, this government is failing kids.”

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