The education system in Ontario is created to exclude Disabled people and other marginalized groups. Instead of building an environment for disabled students to thrive, they are instead viewed as incapable and as a burden on the system. Under the current special education model, disabled students are segregated instead of included. Exclusion of…

In this paper, we will analyze the inclusive education policies and practices of a Province in Canada. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the planning of teaching and learning for students, with a focus on those with a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). The process involved extended school and classroom observation, completion of…

This article focuses on analysing the effect of educational differentiation policies of OECD educational systems on socioeconomically disadvantaged students, based on data from PISA 2009. The analysis is conducted on the basis of a definition of two subgroups of disadvantaged students: those that achieve high scores, and those obtaining scores…

An often-used idiom states: "you can't lose what you never had." Yet contrary to this expression, it "is" possible to lose what you never had--at least when special education support is concerned. In Ontario, as in other jurisdictions, special education exists as a codified system. An ever-changing nexus of discourses and…

In 2008, People for Education, an Ontario-based parent-led organization, hosted eight policy dialogues with citizens about possibilities for the province's public schools. Policy dialogues are conversations about policy issues, ideas, processes, and outcomes where participants share their knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. In small groups…

Parent involvement is acknowledged as a crucial aspect of the education of students with special needs. However, the discourse of parent involvement represents parent involvement in limited ways, thereby controlling how and the extent to which parents can be involved in the education of their children. In this article, critical discourse analysis…

This article reviews the historical context in which Canadian legislation and policy for children with special needs has evolved. The potential for the rights of students with special needs in light of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is outlined. The role of the Federal and Provincial governments in legislation and policy vis-à-vis…

This resource conveys policies, procedures, and guidelines that support the delivery of special education services in British Columbia's (Canada) public schools. It was originally published in 1995 (ED414703), following an extensive provincial Special Education Review (1993-94). The purpose of this manual is to provide a single point of reference…

This resource conveys policies, procedures, and guidelines that support the delivery of special education services in British Columbia's (Canada) public schools. It was originally published in 1995 (ED414703), following an extensive provincial Special Education Review (1993-94). The purpose of this manual is to provide a single point of reference…

Analyzes changes in the Quebec Education Act and accompanying regulations and directives in light of the following 10 major objectives: (1) right-to-education; (2) extended schooling; (3) availability of services; (4) accessibility of facilities; (5) prevention; (6) assessment; (7) integration; (8) appropriate education; (9) consultation; and (10)…

This report presents findings of a special team to review special education policy, its implementation, accountability, and program effectiveness in British Columbia. The team identified a set of issues to address including: inclusion/integration, parental involvement, assessment, Individual Education Plans, evaluation, transitions, employees who…

The manual presents policies, procedures, and guidelines for special education in British Columbia. The following topics are addressed: philosophy and goals; service delivery models (planning, administration, coordination of services); division organization (organizational chart); financial management system (special programs funding, reporting…

This article describes legislative and policy provisions that support educational services for children with disabilities in Ontario. It presents an overview of special education procedures for the identification, placement, and review of students with disabilities, the development of the Individual Education Plan, and special education funding.…

This article describes policy provisions supporting educational services for children with disabilities in British Columbia. It presents an overview of present policy and reviews the efficacy of current practice, particularly in the area of human resources, financial resources, early intervention, Individualized Education Programs, and parental…

This guide for parents of children with disabilities in Alberta (Canada) focuses on the role of the parent on the educational team. Part 1 describes the rights of parents, the responsibilities of parents, and where parents can go for information and help. Part 2 discusses schools as partners, including information for parents on how to procure…