Feedback Encouraged on Levin Report, Op-Ed

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following in an op-ed by Education Minister Ramona Jennex.

Families expect school boards and their government to make decisions that put children and learning first. That is our commitment. And that is why Dr. Ben Levin was asked to do his report.

The Department of Education and our school boards are committed to providing an education for all students, including those with special support needs who deserve full participation in the learning process.

Dr. Levin was asked to look at the challenges facing Nova Scotia classrooms today and to give us some independent advice on the kinds of things we can do to maintain quality of our public school system in the future.

Among those challenges is the need to improve student achievement at a time when enrollment is rapidly declining and we are experiencing significant financial pressure.

More than ever, it is important we use our resources effectively to improve student achievement. We need to concentrate our efforts -- identify the really important things and do them well.

Teaching assistants are, and will continue to be, a valued part of the educational team at a school. We must protect learning in the classroom and maintain our targeted investments in special needs education. The right balance must be sought by looking at need and student enrollment.

Dr. Levin has not recommended taking away teacher assistants supporting students who need personal care and/or safety or behaviour management support. He is noting that the range of behaviours that can trigger the assigning of a teaching assistant has widened over the years and we should carefully examine how we deploy our resources to better support students with special needs and teachers.

Dr. Levin made it clear that education reform and improvements can only happen when all partners in education, including students, parents, staff, educators and governments work together.

I agree and that is exactly what we are doing.

I encourage Nova Scotians to read the report and take the time to provide feedback and ideas.