New Measures to Improve Inclusive Education
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New measures to improve inclusive education were announced today by Education Minister Claude Williams after the first meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Inclusive Education.
These measures constitute government’s $5-million short-term action plan on inclusive education, and will be implemented immediately.
The main components of the plan are:
-personnel for schools (resource teachers, teacher assistants and school intervention workers);
-new training for teacher assistants and other personnel to increase student learning, address disruptive behaviour, and support the safety of students with particular health conditions;
-increased access to assistive technologies and equipment to better support students with exceptional needs;
-definition of roles, responsibilities and service requirements related to inclusive education; and
-sharing of best practices to support effective inclusion through a provincial conference for school personnel.
“The actions we are announcing today address recommendations of the review of inclusive education, and respond to the most urgent needs identified through the forum held with stakeholders last May,” Williams said.
This first meeting with the Ministerial Committee on Inclusive Education also provided the opportunity to explore the scope of the long-term action plan.
“Having affirmed the short-term plan with stakeholders, we are now ready to develop the longer-term plan,” Williams said. “This will guide multi-year efforts for systemic changes and improvements to ensure that all students receive the education they need for success.”
The creation of the Ministerial Committee on Inclusive Education represents one of government’s actions in response to the review of inclusive education. The committee is composed of ministers of education, health, and family and community services, as well as representatives from teachers, teacher assistants, District Education Councils, stakeholder organizations and parents.
“This action plan is an example of our commitment to ensuring the effectiveness of the inclusive public education system,” Williams said.
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