This revised report was prepared for the Canadian Literacy and Learning Network (CLLN) and the thirteen-member provincial and territorial literacy coalitions. The purpose of the report is: (1) To provide background information on the labour market transfers from the Federal Government to the provincial and territorial governments; (2) To outline…

The Setting the Direction Minister's Forum was held June 8 and 9, 2009 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton. It was attended by 820 Albertans and another 288 people participated through interactive webcasts at 78 sites across the province. The purpose of the forum was to present the Framework and engage a broad range of stakeholders in…

A contextual understanding of general education classroom teachers' reasons for a student's referral for special education services provides insight into this initial step in the identification process. The philosophy of social constructivism (Bruner, 1987; Freedman & Combs, 1996; Vygotsky, 1978) provides a backdrop for the underlying…

A 3-year study of the processes used to implement Bill 82 (an amendment to the Education Act that provides more effective education for special needs students in Ontario) was reported. Structured interviews were conducted yearly with 59 regular and special education teachers and 26 principals from 26 elementary and secondary schools under the…

One of the outcomes of regular education reform in Australia has been the development of a national testing program for school students. This article examines the degree to which students with a disability participate in this testing, and the extent to which the testing of students with a disability may help to achieve the National Goals of…

This document is intended to assist charter schools in providing accommodations for students with exceptional needs, while acknowledging the importance of the charter approved by the Minister, local autonomy, flexibility and choice. This document is organized into the following four areas: (1) Access to Accommodations (the provision of…

This final report is the outcome of a special education study initiated in March 2000 to review the delivery of educational programs and services for students with special needs in Alberta, Canada. The review process involved consultation with education partners, stakeholders, and service providers who identified issues and made recommendations to…

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 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms contains an implicit right to education, and the Charter's equality provisions offer an important tool for promoting the rights of the disadvantaged. The equality provisions are open-ended in nature and make the courts a new partner in educational decision-making, causing some educators to regard the…

Ontario, Canada's grassroots movement toward integrating disabled students harmonizes with governmental intentions to reduce costs while preserving student rights and accountability. However, decentralized, market-driven models hamper equity. More students are labelled exceptional, schools target privileged enrollees, minority students lack…

This report details a study of how inclusive practices for students with disabilities are being developed and implemented in eight countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The study aimed to describe national, regional, and local policies on inclusion and school-based practices and…

This document, in French, presents the Alberta Standards for Special Education, which are effective in September 2003 and require school boards to effectively identify and deliver programs for students with special needs in grades 1-12. Emphasis is on consistent and enhanced educational practice within the Canadian province so that students with…

The information in this book came from a Canadian survey of people with disabilities, along with interviews and focus group discussions with service providers, police, advocates, and family members (total n=120) and a review of the literature, case law, and statutes. The study focused on violent or abusive circumstances experienced by individuals…