The Department of Education today released statistical information on the cost of providing student assistants in schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 1990-91, when the provincial survey on the allocation and utilization of student assistants was completed, the student assistant budget was $2.5 million. In 1997-98, just seven years later, the budget has increased by 168 per cent to $6.7 million, even though total school enrolment in the province had declined by nearly 25,000 students.

The purpose of the student assistant program is to provide portering and lifting, personal care, and behavioural control for students who may injure themselves or others. Student assistants are not trained to teach and are not intended to teach or assist students with academic tasks. These are the functions of their special education teachers and regular classroom teachers.

Education Minister Roger Grimes stated: "The Department of Education is fully aware of how important it is to meet the educational needs of all students in our schools. The department is committed to ensuring that those who have special needs have the opportunity to learn to their potential. In addition to student assistants, there are more than 1,000 special education teachers available to develop programs for students with special needs and work directly with them in the classroom."

The minister continued: "The provision of student assistants for students with special needs is but one element of a range of supports provided to meet the needs of these students. The increase of our student assistant budget each year is a tangible commitment to meeting these needs."

Contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-5040.