The Newfoundland consulting team conducting a review of special education programs and services in the province will soon be soliciting feedback from the public. The Edward Mackey firm will hold a series of community hearings, and also request written submissions.
The Review, which is focusing on improving the avenues utilized for the delivery of special education programs and services for those who may have intellectual, physical, social, or any other learning difficulties, will be enhanced through this public consultation process. Four hearings will be held at various Island high schools during the first week in May; those who wish to contribute through writing may also do so until the end of next month.
"The solicitation of public input is an invaluable component during the Special Education review," said Edward Mackey, head of the consulting firm, which will be assisted by Warren & Roe Associates, New Wave Research Inc., and Dr. Kathleen Kufeldt. "The Review Team is very interested in hearing from individuals, groups and organizations with their views on the current model of service delivery used for special education students in the schools and school systems of Prince Edward Island. The information we gather will help us in our efforts to draft a blueprint for future action."
The procedure for participation in the public hearings includes registering one week prior to the presentation date, by telephoning (902) 368-6070. Presenters will be given fifteen (15) minutes to make the presentation, and may be asked questions by the Review Team for the sake of clarification. Furthermore, the Hearing is not a forum for debate, and all presentations are to be accompanied by a written copy, which will be submitted to the Review Team following the presentation.
"Offering the public these opportunities to communicate their feelings about the delivery of special education programs and services in the province will certainly expedite our attempts at improving the way we address the needs of such students," says Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "The information elicited from the hearings and the written submissions will complement the Review quite nicely, and it will help us move forward and concentrate on providing a more comprehensive special needs curriculum."
Mackey's firm submitted the winning proposal for the Special Education project, in a competition that saw only out of province interests provide submissions. The consultants' experience ranges from policy development to implementing special education programs.
Public Community hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 4th at Montague Regional High School; Tuesday, May 5th at Charlottetown Rural High School; Thursday, May 7th at Westisle Composite High School; and Friday, May 8th at Three Oaks Senior High School. Each session will run from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Written submissions may be forwarded, until May 29th, to: The Special Education Review Team, @ Mr. Edward Mackey, Department of Education, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, P.E.I., CIA 7N8.