Annual re-application not required for many special needs students

"I am pleased to announce today that the Department of Education is extending the approval periods for the allocation of student assistants for many special needs students. This means that many parents of children with special needs will not have to undergo the annual re-application process for student assistants," said Judy Foote, Minister of Education.

Parents of students with children who meet the special education criteria in the following categories, all of which were previously one-year approval periods, can look forward to the following changes in September 2000:

For students on a curriculum using American Sign Language (ASL), the approval period will remain at one year because their status must be evaluated annually. For all other special needs students, the approval periods remain unchanged.

"This new process will facilitate better long-term planning for students with special needs. It not only relieves parents� apprehension as to whether their child will receive services but should also help reduce workload at the school, school board and department levels. I am pleased with this new process, and the support of special needs stakeholders makes it clear that this is the right approach," added Minister Foote.

"We are pleased with this announcement. This is a very positive development in the delivery of services to students with special needs. It is clear that the Department of Education is listening to boards, educators, students, parents and others involved with student assistance and is working with us to improve services," said June Alteen, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2000 01 19                                             10:35 a.m.