Building Inclusive, Supportive School Environments

Schools Encouraged to Apply for Inclusive Education Awards

February is Inclusive Education Month in Newfoundland and Labrador, and schools throughout the province are encouraged to apply for this year's Inclusive Education Awards, offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Living.

“As a government we have always believed that all students deserve the opportunity to be educated in inclusive and supportive environments, with their peers, regardless of their physical or intellectual capabilities, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. Many schools are taking innovative approaches to ensure the philosophy of inclusive education becomes a reality, and that all students are respected and valued for who they are, both inside and outside the school walls. I encourage schools to tell their stories, and to apply for the Inclusive Education Awards, which highlight and celebrate the efforts made by administrators, teachers, parents, students and the entire school community to enable all of our students to succeed academically and socially.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education.

The Provincial Government supports inclusive practices in schools, including professional development for teachers, and the provision of assistive technology and alternative format materials for students. The inclusive education initiative began in 2009 with 30 schools. Since then, $7.8 million has been invested in the initiative, and 174 schools are directly involved. Over 1,700 days of substitute teacher time has been allocated to allow for professional development specific to inclusive education.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living has worked alongside the Department of Education and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association to advance the awareness and value of inclusive education in our schools. This collaborative working relationship is resulting in inclusive schools throughout the province – and inclusive schools build inclusive communities.”
- Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Executive Director, NL Association of Community Living.

The deadline for receipt of applications for is March 21, 2014. For more information on the Inclusive Education Awards, and how to apply, visit: www.nlacl.ca/ie-award/ .

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is encouraging schools throughout the province to apply for the Inclusive Education Awards, offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Living.
• The deadline for receipt of applications is March 21, 2014.
• The province has spent over $7.8 million supporting inclusive education as per the recommendations of the 2007 Individual Support Services Plan (ISSP) and Pathways Commission Report.
• Since the province began phasing in the inclusive education model in 2009, 174 schools have become directly involved in the initiative, with another 31 slated to come on stream in September 2014.
• For more on the Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiatives visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html.

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