Public Input Needed on Special Education

The Nova Scotia Department of Education is seeking public input as it reviews the implementation of its special education policy.

The review was launched by Education Minister Jane Purves in June. It will help the department to improve its delivery of programs and services for students with special needs.

"We have a broadly representative committee that needs to hear from everyone with an interest in helping special needs students to thrive in Nova Scotia's schools," said Ms. Purves. "Your comments will help us to identify the challenges and solutions in this area of public education."

The committee is encouraging written submissions from parents, students, teachers, school boards and special needs advocates. Questionnaires are available through http://seirc.ednet.ns.ca , the Department of Education's Student Services Division, provincial libraries, Access Nova Scotia sites, schools, school board offices, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Nova Scotia School Boards Association. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 17.

The committee has arranged focus groups in communities across the province running from mid-October to early November. All information gathered will form the basis of the committee's report to the minister. An interim report is expected by early winter with the full report and recommendations following by spring 2001.

The Department of Education's Special Education Policy Manual, released in April 1996, emphasizes individualized program planning, parental involvement, inclusive schooling, and a team approach to meeting the needs of special needs students. Both the Education Act and regulations support the policy.

The government's agenda includes a promise to develop a multi- year plan for addressing the need for additional resources for children with special education needs.