Canada ́s New Brunswick forbids segregated education

Canada’s province of New Brunswick adopted a legally-binding policy on Inclusive Education in 2013, setting out clear and easy to follow requirements for all public schools, installing education support teams, and defining Personalized Learning Plans. It forbids segregated settings and targets all children, not only those with disabilities.

In 1986, New Brunswick changed its policies to require that students with disabilities be included in regular classrooms. Over time, however, inclusive practices were inconsistently applied, and there was no guiding policy at the provincial level. Two reviews of Inclusive Education, in 2005 and 2010, led to a report that recommended issuing an official policy. As part of the province’s commitment to Inclusive Education, disability organizations were consulted. In 2013 the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development signed the first provincial policy on Inclusive Education. The policy is not disability-specific, but rather a broader framework for inclusion in education, aligned with the belief that inclusion is about all – and not just a specific subset – of students. New Brunswick’s Policy 322 on Inclusive Education was introduced in 2013 after a comprehensive review. To ensure that all provincial public schools are inclusive, the policy defines a system that supports students in common learning environments. It sets clear requirements for each educational authority (department, school district superintendent, school principals, etc.), including procedures for the development of Personalized Learning Plans, inclusive graduation, and clear guidelines for any variation to the common learning environment.

Problems Targeted

Canada’s province of New Brunswick adopted a legally-binding policy on Inclusive Education in 2013, setting out clear and easy to follow requirements for all public schools, installing education support teams, and defining Personalized Learning Plans. It forbids segregated settings and targets all children, not only those with disabilities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The New Brunswick Policy 322 on Inclusive Education of 2013 is a provincial legally-binding policy that sets out the requirements of an Inclusive Education system for all public schools, overseen by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It lays out in detail standards for inclusion, including requirements for all school personnel to ensure that each student can fully participate in a common learning environment by applying student-centred learning and providing accommodations, with variations occurring only under strictly limited conditions. Segregated and alternative education programmes for students enrolled in kindergarten to grade eight are prohibited. School principals have to ensure that for certain students a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) is designed by a team of experts, and classroom teachers must implement and evaluate the PLP. Also, a single version of the high school diploma must be granted. Clarity around inclusion 
The policy clearly defines what is expected of schools, including that practices of segregated education and alternative education programmes must not occur. It establishes expectations that children will be educated in common learning environments, providing clear guidelines around individualized planning. _x000D_
No labelling 
The policy uses inclusive language and eschews labels such as “special needs” to avoid discrimination against children with intellectual or other disabilities. _x000D_ Effectiveness The policy was initiated with a corresponding action plan to support its implementation. In 2014 the UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize to Promote Quality Education for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities was awarded to New Brunswick. The policy is a continuous process, but already more students are benefitting from an education system that is more inclusive, and students with disabilities can expect to be included in regular learning environments and to have a Personalized Learning Plan.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

New Brunswick’s Inclusive Education work serves as a model for others seeking to strengthen inclusion in public schools. In the last three years leaders in education from Québec (Canada), Spain, Switzerland, and elsewhere have visited New Brunswick schools to learn how teachers put into practice Policy 322.

Pictures

A student, with her aid, takes part in the cooking class at Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton. © Government of New Brunswick

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THE STORY OF DICK AND ANDREA ALLEN

“Greer is not marginalized, but inspiring others”

We have been gifted with two beautiful daughters: Sydney and Greer. Sydney flew through the public school system from kindergarten through grade 12 in a relatively uneventful way, as did Greer. What’s exceptional about Greer’s experience is that she has Down Syndrome. Years ago, she never would have been afforded the opportunity to follow in her sister’s footsteps like many younger siblings dream to do. What’s even more exceptional is that Greer not only followed her sister’s footsteps in many regards, attending the same elementary and secondary schools, but she also paved her own path, participating in even more school activities than had her sister, and as such is today a capable, confident, and contributing member of our community. Because of New Brunswick’s Inclusive Education policy, Greer attended regular classes, received the necessary support, and participated fully in all school classes, activities, and clubs. In elementary school she participated in the drama and reading clubs and was acknowledged with a Bravery Award. Now in her final year of high school, she has: -  celebrated being a “Four Year Vet” in the annual high school musical 
production 
 -  held leadership positions in the Best Buddies Programme 
 -  developed lifelong friendships 
 -  lived an ordinary life
Who could ask for more?
Many people who have taught Greer or had her in their clubs have comment- ed on what she had added to the respective group and its dynamics. She
has often been acknowledged for adding joy to the group, bringing people together and inspiring others to conquer challenges. We are thankful for In- clusive Education, which has enabled Greer to thrive rather than be marginal- ized as have many before her and many in other less progressive places.