Shaping a new model of inclusive education OUR VOICES, OUR FUTURE

https://inclusiveedns.ca/presentation/

Welcome and Thank You for AttendingCommission on Inclusive Education

Dr. Sarah Shea, Chair Monica Williams Adela Njie

Work of the Commission to Date

PARTNERING

LISTENING

LEARNING RESEARCHING

VISITING

The best interest of every student 

Evidence‐based practice

Solutions that are practical and workable 

in schools across the province

Building on the strengths of our communities & schools

We are Committed to:  

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

PERSONAL GROWTH & 

DEVELOPMENT

STUDENT SUCCESS

Inclusion in Nova Scotia: We Have Come a Long Way Already

EXCLUSION

For many years, students with special needs were excluded from public education.

SEGREGATION

Then, segregated schools and classes were introduced.

INCLUSION

Now, inclusion is the norm, but the current version is not working for everyone.

The Path to Change

Our Commission cannot do its work without you. We need: 

Purpose of Public Engagement

YOUR STORIES YOUR IDEAS YOUR EXPERIENCES

• Share Your Story (video & written):        Nov. 7 – Dec. 15

• Stakeholder Roundtables:                         Nov. 30 – Dec. 2

• Call for Submissions:                                  Nov. 7 – Dec. 15

• Survey (online):                                           Nov. 21 – Dec. 15

• Public Workshops  & School Site Visits:  Nov. 21‐ Nov. 30

Public Engagement Options

Workshop Dates

• Meet with Nova Scotians across the province

• Listen to people’s lived experiences of inclusive education

• Hear about new ideas and innovations for moving forward

• Learn about Nova Scotians’ priorities in inclusive education

Purposes of the Public Workshops

6:30  Arrival, welcome & framing

6:45 Update on the work of the Commission

7:00  Group discussions: Understanding current experiences

7:40  Share key themes

7:50 Roundtables: Priorities for action

8:50  Closing thoughts

Workshop Agenda

• Inclusive:Everyone feels welcome  and has the opportunity to engage fully with civility, trust & openness 

• Productive:Everyone  is focusing on the best path forward

Guidelines for Public Workshops

• Structured:  Everyone is supported to fully participate in the workshop

• Diverse:Everyone’s viewpoints – including on controversial issues in inclusive education ‐are shared & received respectfully 

Guidelines for Public Workshops

• Nova Scotians strongly support the principle of 

inclusive education, but it isn’t always working

• We need to create a new vision & policy for 

inclusive education

• There are common themes emerging

What We Have Learned So Far

• Many students have identified needs for support:

• 6% of students on individualized program plans (IPP)• Roughly 1 in every 4 students needs adaptations

• Student needs are often multiple & complex

It is Important That We Get This Right

• Human rights• Geography• Multiple agencies• Diversity of students & communities.• Economic demands• Availability of personnel

There Are No Easy Answers

Who is in the room tonight?

Introductions

Speak from experienceListen to learnCapture themes

Introductions

Share your experiences:

• What is working well with inclusive education?

• What is not working well with inclusive education?

Table Conversations

5minutes

Table Conversations

1. Strong home & school partnerships

2. A continuum of programs, services 

&  settings

3. Practical, specialized teacher education

4. Student‐focused interagency collaboration

5. Adequate funding & resources

Five Themes

• Welcoming, respectful, accessible, informative• Engaging parents & students  with the educational team including  school leaders

• Shared advocacy• Three‐way information sharing: 

• students, parents, educators• Clear & informative progress reports

Strong Home & School Partnerships

For academic, cognitive, social & emotional learningClassroom‐based supports

Specialized programs and servicesVaried instructional settings

A Continuum of Programs, Services &  Settings

• Practical hands on learning on:• Delivery of inclusive education 

• Early & ongoing professional development in topics in inclusive education such as:

• Behaviour intervention, Autism spectrum disorder, identification  & support of math & literacy challenges

Practical, Specialized Teacher Education

• Clear roles & responsibilities• Improved access to services across the province• Time for teachers & other professionals to work together

• Key times: transitions• Supports provided at school & in classroom 

Student‐Focused Interagency Collaboration

• Professionals, specialized programs, equipment• Providing proven successful programs• Equitable

• Rural & urban• Accountability, transparency

Adequate Funding and Resources

Table ConversationsWhat could make the biggest difference?

Strong Home and School Partnerships

A Continuum of Programs, Services and Settings

Practical, Specialized 

Teacher Education

Student‐focused Interagency Collaboration

Other

• Strong home & school partnerships

• A continuum of programs, services & settings           

• Practical, specialized teacher education               

• Student‐focused interagency collaboration

• Other

What are YOUR Top Priorities?

Keep the Conversation Going

Provide your input through online 

channels

Encourage others to participate in public 

consultationsHelp us spread the word

Visit our website:

inclusiveed.ns.ca

Please stay involved –Your voices matter!www.inclusiveedns.ca

The Work Won’t Stop with the Commission

Thank You!

Thank You!