New Brunswick schools face a severe crisis. Poor literacy rates and chronic absenteeism plague the system. If you have children in the provincial school system, you know the challenges firsthand. Education advocate Paul Bennett points to these failures in his upcoming book Struggling in Class. He states the province must make tough decisions immediately to reset the education system.

Failing Grades and Empty Desks

The numbers reveal a severe problem for students in Saint John and across the province. Last month the New Brunswick auditor general reported the province failed to meet any student literacy targets between July 2022 and June 2025.

Attendance records show an equally troubling trend. Data indicates more than 30 percent of students from kindergarten to Grade 12 are chronically absent. When you look at these statistics, they highlight a system failing to keep kids engaged and learning.

Expert Warns of Systemic Failure

Paul Bennett directs the Schoolhouse Institute and closely monitors these educational trends. He recently told CTV News Atlantic that the province fell short of all specific goals set in two previous 10 year plans.

“Literacy and numeracy scores are terrible, among the worst,” Bennett said. “Student wellbeing is very much in question with chronic absenteeism. Very many kids are acting out. The school system is in crisis.”

Bennett notes the toll this takes on everyone involved. Teachers face severe burnout. Parents and caregivers struggle to help children succeed and live purposeful lives.

Searching for Solutions

The provincial government recently announced a new 12 year education plan for both anglophone and francophone school systems. This plan addresses the major failures identified by the auditor general.

Bennett offers his own blueprint for recovery. His new book includes 35 specific recommendations formatted as a report card. These suggestions provide a clear plan to improve the schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the New Brunswick education system in crisis?

The system suffers from terrible literacy and numeracy scores alongside chronic student absenteeism. More than 30 percent of students regularly miss school.

Did New Brunswick meet its recent education targets?

No. The provincial auditor general reported that New Brunswick failed to meet any student literacy targets between July 2022 and June 2025.

What solutions are experts proposing?

Education advocate Paul Bennett outlines 35 recommendations in his upcoming book Struggling in Class. The provincial government also introduced a new 12 year education plan to fix these ongoing issues.