No Reductions Made to Special Education Allocations: Minister

Continued misinformation presented in the House of Assembly today (Thursday, May 9) by the NDP Education Critic regarding the provision of special education services is either remarkably ill-informed or a deliberate attempt to spread anxiety among parents of children with special needs, says the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education.

“Once again, I am forced to reassure parents that there is no reduction to special education services, and no reduction in the allocation of special education teachers, as a result of Budget 2013,” said Minister Jackman. “Anyone with an understanding of the K-12 education system knows that there are variations in the identified need for special education services at any given school, in any given year. As a result, teacher reassignments occur every year, and redundancy notices are issued as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association collective agreement process. It does not mean there has been a budget reduction, or any change whatsoever in the allocation model for special education teachers. There has not - and I suspect the NDP critic knows that full well.”

Minister Jackman said Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized as having one of the most comprehensive special education systems in the country. Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future commits more than $96 million for special education supports.

“It’s time for the NDP Education Critic to stop the fear-mongering; get his facts straight, and stop misleading the public in this manner,” Minister Jackman said. “It serves no purpose other than to create unnecessary stress and anxiety for students, parents and caregivers.”

- 30 -

Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 09             5:30 p.m.