Proposed special education framework focuses on an inclusive education system
Edmonton... An education system that ensures inclusivity for all students is the goal of a proposed new framework for special education in Alberta.
The framework, developed through a multi-phased consultation process, was shared with Education Minister Dave Hancock at a forum in Edmonton on June 8. At the two-day forum, about 1,000 participants from across the province will provide further input into the framework and possible directions for implementation.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the Steering Committee’s proposed initiatives for programming, accountability and funding for special education with so many engaged citizens. I will take this information forward to my government colleagues for review,” said Hancock. “The conversations we’ve had with Albertans throughout this process suggest significant reform as to how we approach special education in Alberta and reinforce Alberta’s position as a world leader in education. The framework calls for one inclusive education system that recognizes all children come to school with potential but also with challenges. The new framework focuses on strengths instead of deficiencies, giving all students the opportunity to excel and maximize their personal potential, regardless of their school or educational program.”
The framework identifies three priority areas of curriculum, capacity and collaboration with 10 programming options falling under those priorities.
More than 6,000 Albertans have contributed to consultation processes between November 2008 and March 2009. They provided insight through community consultation sessions in 12 communities, and online and paper submissions.
“The framework aims to respond to the clear advice of stakeholders and partners,” said Steering Committee chair, Edmonton-Ellerslie MLA Naresh Bhardwaj. “That advice was to recognize and respond to disability and diversity within our education system by ensuring that educators, schools, and school authorities have the support they need to develop and deliver an inclusive education system. Albertans also reminded us that given the wide range of school authorities in Alberta and the high value placed on educational choice, we must foster a system that supports choice for students, parents and families where appropriate, and in collaboration with educators, health and social service providers, and the greater community..”
Setting the Direction has engaged Albertans in creating a Special Education Framework that has common language and understanding around vision, principles, policy, accountability and funding. The Steering Committee’s proposed framework touches all school types – public, separate, Francophone, charter and private.
The proposed framework plus additional information on the Setting the Direction initiative can be found online at www.settingthedirection.alberta.ca. While the framework works through the government approval process, Alberta Education will work with school authorities through the 2009/10 school year to develop an implementation strategy and prepare for possible change.
Alberta schools serve approximately 67,000 students with special education needs.
