Belated Good News for Special Education

You might recall our review of the Special Education Report (more accurately the Review Commmittee Report and Recommendations arising from the Minister's Review of Services for Students with Special Needs) which was released in August, 2007. One of its many recommendations was that the Minister announce the end of the Tuition Support Program effective June 30, 2010.

And although it's never a good feeling to realize that you missed an important news item for your community, thanks to EEANS, at least now I know. As will you.

On November 7th, Nova Scotia's Minister of Education announced that she would NOT get rid of the Tuition Support Program. This was a long awaited and substantial win for EEANS, parents and their children who desparately need this program. We have been working hard to educate politians and the public on the TSP as well as putting pressure on government to reject the recommendation of the Review Commitee to cancel the program ever since it's release in September. We applaud Ms. Casey for doing the right thing by keeping the program.

In the words of Ms. Casey:

In the short term, we are not prepared to take away the opportunity for those who can benefit from the program. My commitment will be to continue the program until we are able to provide, in our public schools, one that is equal to it or better."

Well, that could take a while, couldn't it?

Unfortunately, the Minister refused to extend the three year time limit. And although I don't quite agree with Brian's analysis as to how helpful Ms. Casey's comment, above, might be to a parent wishing to litigate the matter of the time limit, it is good to see that the program will continue.