Jessica Wong

Senior digital writer

Based in Toronto, Jessica Wong covers Canadian education stories for CBC News. She previously covered arts and entertainment news, both national and international, and has been a digital journalist for CBC since 2001. You can reach her at Jessica.Wong@cbc.ca.

Latest from Jessica Wong

With anti-Muslim occurrences on the rise, schools in Canada urged to address Islamophobia

As tensions from the Israel-Hamas war continue to ripple through Canada, and officials across the country report an alarming rise in anti-Muslim occurrences, including in schools, some experts say Islamophobia must become a classroom priority addressed now — in practical ways and on multiple fronts.

As Holocaust education becomes compulsory in some provinces, advocates call for wider adoption

Advocates have long called for Holocaust education to be mandatory for Canadian students. As Ontario and British Columbia embed this learning in the curriculum, others are still waiting for a similar commitment in their provinces.

Amid on-campus tensions brought on by Israel-Hamas war, experts worry about free expression

Heated debates about the Israel-Hamas war have permeated Canadian university campuses, with rallies held at multiple locations and some student unions censured or criticized for statements about the conflict. Academics are alarmed to see dissent shifting into personal attacks and wary of a potential chill on free expression.

Some schools in Canada avoid discussing Israel-Hamas war, leaving students on their own

Canadian school boards, divisions and districts are taking different approaches to addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war — from no mention at all to offering support groups for students. But some teens feel it's important to talk about the conflict in school, fully aware of the tough conversations ahead.

Talk to kids about the Hamas-Israel conflict, experts say, but in an age-appropriate way

With stories on the Hamas-Israel conflict everywhere on social media and news broadcasts, adults should be ready to talk to kids about it, say media and child psychology experts.

This play is teaching kids about a Toronto race riot — right where it happened

Perched next to a city park baseball diamond one sunny day this week, a group of Toronto teens took in a vivid lesson about a Canadian story that remains unfamiliar to many.

Students say misinformation abounds online. Experts say critical thinking helps them navigate it

A growing movement is encouraging boosting students' digital literacy and critical thinking skills, so they can better distinguish fact from the misinformation swirling around them in online spaces today.

On Red Dress Day, Indigenous voices urge timely introduction of proposed public alert system

On Red Dress Day, Indigenous women, families and advocates are calling for swift action in introducing a public alert system to highlight the ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

King Charles's coronation sparking challenging conversations in the classroom, say teachers

King Charles's coronation comes amid complex conversations about the role of the Crown in the world today and the ongoing legacy of British colonialism. Educators are among those initiating these talks with students, and several told CBC News why it's important to broach this weekend's event in Canadian classrooms.

A school staffer cut their son's hair. Putting things right for their child with autism has been hard

After much back and forth with school officials over an inappropriate act by a special education worker, Sara Zahan and Muksat Rahman feel upset and dissatisfied over their interactions. That's not uncommon for parents of students with disabilities, experts say, noting that these families can face an uphill battle navigating school for their children. 

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