Progress

Way Forward Commitment:

Our government is committed to better engaging students in their learning and improving learning outcomes. This commitment is a key component of our response to the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes. It requires a model for delivering services to students that better allows for small-group instruction, keeps students in school for the full day, and integrates the needs of students with special needs or exceptionalities.

In 2018-19, our government, in partnership with school districts and early childhood educators, will draft, pilot and begin evaluating a new policy and procedures guide for student services, as well as related professional learning. We will also purchase a new Special Education Case Management System to assist in the delivery of student services by providing accurate student information to guide programming.

What We’ve Accomplished:

• A Student Support Services Policy Advisory Committee was formed to draft policy, procedures, and associated professional learning for delivery of Student Support Services.
• A draft policy and procedures document, entitled Responsive Teaching and Learning, has been developed and implementation of components of the policy began in schools in Fall 2018 with 40 Phase One Schools. The new policy will be implemented in an additional 40 Phase Two schools in September 2019. Teacher professional learning will continue throughout the 2019-20 school year.
• The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development purchased Special Education Case Management software in 2018-19. Customization is ongoing, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, to configure the software for the province’s K-12 system. Phase 1 implementation will commence in 39 schools in fall 2019.