A welcome blueprint for inclusive education
To no one’s surprise, the final report on inclusion in Nova Scotia schools describes an education system where crucial resources are in short supply and too many students’ needs are not being met. It’s important to note that that doesn’t mean inclusion is a failure. Students First, the report released Monday by the commission on inclusive education, emphasizes how students, parents and teachers all believe there’s tremendous value in inclusive education.
But in its excellent report, the commission has made a comprehensive, compelling case that with systematic, sustained efforts — backed by a reasonable investment of up to $80 million over five years — Nova Scotia’s education system can eliminate the current gaps in inclusive education that shortchange all students.
“We were tasked with improving inclusive education for the benefit of all Nova Scotia students,” the commission’s three members said in the report’s executive summary.
“We have done that by putting students first. We have attempted to strike a balance between providing early increased supports for the students currently in the system who cannot wait for long-term change, and laying the foundation for ongoing improvements.”
The commission consisted of independent chairwoman Sarah Shea, a professor in the department of pediatrics at Dalhousie University, and education experts Monica Williams, who represented the government, and Adela NJie, representing the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.
In a statement released later Monday, Education Minister Zach Churchill said the government accepts the broad objectives of the report and will be working toward implementing changes by September.
We hope the government hews close to the recommendations laid out in Students First.
One of the most crucial steps is setting up a Nova Scotia Institute for Inclusive Education (NSIIE) that would both oversee ongoing changes over the five-year plan and beyond, as well as report to the public on outcomes.
Overall, the report stressed the need to knock down silos — both within government and beyond — and get teachers, parents and administrators working more closely together, all focusing on meeting students’ needs.
Where more resources are required but not available, such as in the current widespread shortage of professional skills, the report recommends investing in creating new programs, for example at the Nova Scotia Community College, and beefing up professional development opportunities for teachers.
“Nova Scotia does not currently have an adequate supply of skilled professionals and paraprofessionals to fully provide inclusive education. In order to support the demand, it is vital that the supply be increased,” the report stated.
Based on best practices found in other jurisdictions both nationally and internationally, the report champions a new model of inclusion that provides tiers of support — from the main classroom to small group or one-on-one programming — designed so that each student gets what he or she needs to succeed.
And the report very sensibly notes that having teachers spend almost half their time on administrative tasks — rather than working with students — must change.
The commission has delivered an insightful blueprint to transform Nova Scotia into a leader in inclusive education. All stakeholders should support its implementation.