OUR VOICES OUR FUTURE Shaping a new model

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

https: //www. inclusiveedns. ca/presentation/

Welcome and Thank You for Attending Commission on Inclusive Education Dr. Sarah Shea, Chair Monica Williams Adela Njie

Work of the Commission to Date PARTNERING LISTENING LEARNING VISITING RESEARCHING

We are Committed to: 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

ACADEMIC PROGRESS STUDENT SUCCESS PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

Purpose of Public Engagement Our Commission cannot do its work without you. We need: YOUR STORIES YOUR IDEAS YOUR EXPERIENCES

Public Engagement Options • Share Your Story (video & written): Nov. 7 – Dec. 15 • Call for Submissions: Nov. 7 – Dec. 15 • Survey (online): Nov. 21 – Dec. 15 • Public Workshops Nov. 21 - Nov. 30

Workshop Dates

Purposes of the Public Workshops • 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

Workshop Agenda 6: 30 Arrival, welcome & framing 6: 40 Update on the work of the Commission 6: 50 Group discussions: Understanding current experiences 7: 35 Share key themes 7: 45 Roundtables: Priorities for action 8: 45 Closing thoughts

What We Have Learned So Far • 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

It is Important That We Get This Right • 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

There Are No Easy Answers • • • Human rights Geography Multiple agencies Diversity of students & communities. Economic demands Availability of personnel

Introductions Who is in the room tonight?

Guidelines for Public Workshops • Inclusive: Everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to engage fully with civility, trust & openness. • Everyone’s viewpoints – including on controversial issues in inclusive education -are shared & received respectfully • Productive: Everyone is focusing on the best path forward

Table Conversations Speak from experience Listen to learn Capture themes Don’t be helpful 1/n – Make space for everyone’s voice

Table Conversations Share your experiences: • What is working well with inclusive education? • What is not working well with inclusive education?

Table Conversations 5 minutes

Five Themes 1. Strong home & school partnerships 2. A continuum of programs, services & settings 5. Adequate funding & resources 3. Practical, specialized teacher education 4. Student-focused interagency collaboration

Strong Home & School Partnerships • 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

A Continuum of Programs, Services & Settings • • For academic, cognitive, social & emotional learning Classroom-based supports Specialized programs and services Varied instructional settings

Practical, Specialized Teacher Education • 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

Student-Focused Interagency Collaboration • 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

Adequate Funding and Resources • Professionals, specialized programs, equipment • Providing proven successful programs • Equitable • Rural & urban • Accountability, transparency

Which changes are needed? 1. Strong home & school partnerships 2. A continuum of programs, services & settings 5. Adequate funding & resources 3. Practical, specialized teacher education 4. Student-focused interagency collaboration

Table Conversations 5 minutes

Which changes are needed? 1. Strong home & school partnerships 2. A continuum of programs, services & settings 5. Adequate funding & resources 3. Practical, specialized teacher education 4. Student-focused interagency collaboration

The Path to Change

Keep the Conversation Going Provide your input through online channels Encourage others to participate Help us in public spread consultations the word Visit our website: inclusiveed. ns. ca

The Work Won’t Stop with the Commission Please stay involved – Your voices matter! www. inclusiveedns. ca #Our. Voices. NS

Thank You!