FREDERICTON – The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development released its 12-Year Education Plans for both the Francophone and Anglophone sectors today. While Inclusion NB was pleased to participate in the consultation process and to see some of our recommendations reflected in the final plan, we will be watching for clarity regarding the future of inclusive education in New Brunswick and the outcome of the proposed review of Policy 322, which is referenced in the plans.

322 is an established provincial policy, launched in 2013, that requires all New Brunswick public schools to be inclusive. This policy is rooted in a human-rights, evidence-based approach where all students, with and without disabilities, learn together in their neighbourhood school.

The Province of New Brunswick has committed to a review of this critical policy with the intent to “define clear provincial inclusion expectations” (as stated in the Anglophone plan) and “clarify its orientations and support its coherent implementation” (as stated in the Francophone plan).

“Inclusion NB will be actively engaged in that process to ensure any new interpretations or implementation guidance remain true to the policy’s original intent as set out in the Education Act: protecting the rights of children and youth with disabilities to learn, participate, and belong in regular classrooms and other common learning environments alongside their peers,” said Andrea Randon, Interim Executive Director.

The provinces announcement of $19.3 million for 210 new Educational Assistants and $3.7 million for 40 resource teachers and 20 school counsellors (across both sectors) are important investments that are essential to strengthening system capacity and ensuring high quality inclusive education practices. The $8.5 million committed to the early learning sector is also a critical investment that Inclusion NB has advocated for over many years. Early intervention and inclusive early learning environments are essential to improving outcomes for children and building a more inclusive education system from the start.

“An overall investment of $31.5 million by the province represents a positive opportunity, provided it is directed toward strengthening inclusive education practices that support students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers in regular classroom settings,” said Randon.

The timing of the release of these plans is significant. On June 18, 1986, a courageous provincial government stewarded the adoption of Bill 85, amending the previous Schools Act. These changes required students with disabilities to be educated in the regular education system. Inclusive Education was born, not only in New Brunswick, but also in Canada.

“This review represents an important opportunity to build on New Brunswick’s 40 years of leadership in inclusive education while ensuring the policy continues to reflect its original intent,” continued Randon.

Inclusion NB will be closely engaged in this next phase to support efforts to strengthen the policy, enhance clarity and consistency in implementation, and further support educators, families, and community partners in creating a stronger, more inclusive education system.

 

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Media Contact:

Ariel Dillon
Inclusion NB
adillon@inclusionnb.ca