OUR VOICES, OUR FUTURE Shaping a new model of inclusive education - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

https://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 VISITING LISTENING LEARNING 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 SOCIAL, PERSONAL EMOTIONAL, GROWTH & and PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT HEALTH & WELLNESS

Inclusion in Nova Scotia: We Have Come a Long Way Already EXCLUSION SEGREGATION For many years, INCLUSION Then, segregated students with schools and classes special needs were Now, inclusion is were introduced. excluded from the norm, but the public education. 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 YOUR IDEAS YOUR STORIES EXPERIENCES

Public Engagement Options • 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

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 6:45 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

Guidelines for Public Workshops • 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

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 • There are common themes emerging

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?

Introductions Speak from experience Listen to learn Capture themes

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

Table Conversations What could make the biggest difference? A Continuum of Strong Home Practical, Programs, and School Specialized Services and Partnerships Teacher Education Settings Student ‐ focused Interagency Other Collaboration

What are YOUR Top Priorities? • Strong home & school partnerships • A continuum of programs, services & settings • Practical, specialized teacher education • Student ‐ focused interagency collaboration • Other

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

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

Thank You! Thank You!