September 12, 2014
Working Together to Address Inclusive Education Needs
Minister, NLTA Name Joint Committee on Inclusive Education
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, and James Dinn, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), today announced the members of a joint committee to review the implementation of the inclusive education model in schools.
“As professional educators and partners in education, we agree that all students deserve to be educated in inclusive and supportive environments, with their peers, wherever possible. We have made great strides in this area over the past several years, but we must also acknowledge that there have been some concerns expressed about the practical application of the inclusive education model. We expect this joint committee will help us focus on those concerns, and how they might be addressed.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education
Members of the Inclusive Education Committee are:
- Ed Walsh, Assistant Deputy Minister, Primary, Elementary and Secondary Education;
- Steve Brooks, Assistant Executive Director, NLTA;
- John Way, Senior Education Officer, Programs, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District;
- Eugene May, Senior Education Officer, Student Support Services, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District;
- Trent Langdon, Guidance Counsellor, St. Peter’s Junior High (Mount Pearl) and member of the NLTA Provincial Executive; and
- Roxanne Skanes, Grade 2 Teacher, Coley’s Point Primary.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association and the teachers of the province support the inclusive education model since it offers our most vulnerable students the best opportunity to achieve their full potential. However, challenges in resourcing and implementation of the model do exist. I compliment the Minister for establishing this joint committee and see it as a positive first step in addressing the concerns and challenges identified by teachers throughout the province to ensure that all students have the best opportunity to succeed.”
- James Dinn, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association
A formal inclusive education initiative began in 2009 with 30 schools. Today, 205 schools are directly involved and over 1,700 days of substitute teacher time has been allocated to allow for professional development specific to inclusive education.
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, provides over $112 million to support inclusive education in schools. This includes funding for itinerant teachers, student assistants, professional development for teachers, classroom-based teaching resources, and direct supports to students such as alternate format materials and assistive technology.
For more information on the inclusive education model, see: //www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, and James Dinn, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), today announced the members of a joint committee to review the implementation of the inclusive education model in schools.
- The Inclusive Education Committee is composed of professional educators; three named by the Department of Education, and three named by the NLTA.
- The inclusive education initiative began in 2009 with 30 schools. Today, 205 schools are directly involved and over 1,700 days of substitute teacher time has been allocated to allow for professional development specific to inclusive education.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, provides over $112 million to support inclusive education in schools.
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Media contact:| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Lesley Ann Browne Communications Officer Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) 709-726-3223, Ext. 228 labrowne@nlta.nl.ca |
2014 09 12 2:10 p.m.