The Government of Saskatchewan’s recent announcement to expand a pilot program of “specialized support classrooms” from 8 to 200 over the next 4 years is, to me, atrocious.
This is the re-introduction of segregated classrooms by any other name.
I’m by no means an expert on inclusive education, but I do work adjacent to the field. I’ve also seen my brother Michael’s experience with inclusive education in Ontario, which was lacking to say the very least.
More than anything, I am disturbed by society’s willingness to let children with disabilities fall through the cracks.
There is no doubt about it – this move will segregate and isolate children with disabilities from their peers. They will be forced into “special places for special people,” where they will fall behind academically, socially, and emotionally. They will not experience the same opportunities to learn and grow as children without disabilities and will be ostracized from the everyday experiences of life that they’re entitled to enjoy – making friends, playing sports, joining clubs. These cornerstone activities of growing up are denied to these select few.
Imagine isolating and segregating any other minority group from our classrooms. The outrage would be swift and severe. But because the “behavioural disturbances” of children with disabilities are considered disruptive in classrooms, this action is tolerated and celebrated by many educators, administrators, and parents alike.
Why the step backward?
This is the path of least resistance, and the path of least work. Instead of properly supporting students with additional support needs in a regular classroom, it is easier to isolate them.
In my experience, these “specialized” classrooms are nothing more than day cares for children with different learning styles. They do not learn, and they do not grow – they stagnate.
I can discuss how the government is in violation of Article 24 of the UNCRPD or cite one of the many studies that insist on the importance of correcting this course of action, but Inclusive Education Canada, Inclusion Canada, and the disability community at large has been doing that for years, yet we continue to see the quality of education for people with disabilities decline.
Instead, I want you to think back to when you were a child. Do you remember what it felt like when you were picked last for a team in gym, or when you were not invited to a classmate’s birthday party?
Do you remember what it feels like to not be included?
I do, and it hurts.
Segregated schooling is the academic equivalent of not being picked for a team at all. It is an adult telling a child that they don’t belong with their peers because they are different.
That’s a lesson they get to carry with themselves for the rest of their lives.
And trust me – they do carry it for the rest of their lives.
As a society, we need to recognize that this is wrong. Every student has inherent and equal value. We need to reject the notion that some people are not cut out for regular classrooms and challenge ourselves to find solutions that ensure the full inclusion of everyone in our education system.
It’s not the path of least resistance, but it’s the right path.
Comments