Education and Early Childhood Development
February 24, 2015

Building Inclusive, Supportive School Environments

Schools Encouraged to Apply for Inclusive Education Awards

In recognition of Inclusive Education Month, the Provincial Government is encouraging schools throughout the province to apply for this year's Inclusive Education Awards, offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Living.

“We believe all of our children deserve to be educated in inclusive and supportive environments regardless of their physical or intellectual capabilities, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. That’s why our government has invested over $100 million this year to support inclusive education. This funding helps provide professional development for teachers, as well as assistive technology and alternate format materials for students. Currently, educators in approximately 80 per cent of schools in the province are trained in inclusive education, which includes 31 schools that had teams trained for the start of this school year. I would encourage all schools to celebrate their inclusive environments by applying for the Inclusive Education Awards.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

The deadline for receipt of applications for the Association of Community Living Inclusive Education Awards is March 31, 2015. For more information on the awards, and how to apply visit www.nlacl.ca/ie-award.

“Over the past several years the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has advanced inclusive education in schools and has raised greater awareness about the issue. We need to continue to work together to ensure that all students attend and are welcomed in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of the life of the school.”
- Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Executive Director, NL Association of Community Living

The Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiative began in 2009 with 30 schools. Today, 205 schools are directly involved and 2,100 days of substitute teacher time has been allocated to allow for professional development specific to inclusive education. For more on the Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiative visit //www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html.

QUICK FACTS

• In recognition of Inclusive Education Month, the Provincial Government is encouraging schools throughout the province to apply for this year's Inclusive Education Awards, offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Living.
• The Provincial Government has invested over $100 million this year (2014-15) to support inclusive education. The inclusive education initiative began in 2009 with 30 schools. Today, 205 schools are directly involved and 2,100 days of substitute teacher time has been allocated to allow for professional development specific to inclusive education.
• For more on the Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiatives visit: //www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html.

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2015 02 24                             9:55 a.m.