News Release

Eves government pilots new standards for special education programs

June 27, 2003

TORONTO – Ten school boards across the province have been chosen as pilot sites for new standards for special education programs, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Elizabeth Witmer, announced today. The pilots will address services and programs for students with autism.

"These pilot projects will help us determine how province-wide program standards will help boards improve their educational programs for children with special needs," said Witmer. "We want the best possible programs and services to help students with special needs reach their full potential."

Starting in September, the pilot projects will help determine the changes needed across school boards as they plan to implement new special education standards related to autism. Evaluation and research resulting from the pilots will guide the next steps for the full province-wide implementation of the standards for all special education services and programs.

School boards were consulted on the set up of these projects and were invited to submit proposals to host one of the pilots. The boards selected to participate in the project are:

• Algoma District School Board
• Avon Maitland District School Board
• Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board
• Grand Erie District School Board
• Halton Catholic District School Board
• Keewatin-Patricia District School Board
• Peel District School Board
• Renfrew Catholic District School Board
• Conseil scolaire de district du Grand Nord de l'Ontario
• Conseil scolaire de district catholique du Centre-Est de l'Ontario

"Our government is keeping its promise to help its more vulnerable students," said Witmer. "We believe they deserve access to the most effective educational strategies available to help them succeed."

Today's announcement builds on the over $1.65 billion that will be spent on special education in 2003-04. This amount represents an increase of 41 per cent since the introduction of student-focused funding in 1998.

Last fall, the Eves government also increased the support available to children with autism. At that time, the Eves government announced an additional $58.6 million for services for children with autism, bringing the total commitment to almost $100 million by 2006-07.

Last December, the Eves government announced an increase of $250 million, on an annual basis, for special education in response to the release of the report of the Education Equality Task Force, which recommended ways to build on the strengths of student-focused funding, including in the area of special education.

An evaluation of the 10 pilot projects will get underway in the fall of 2003 and will be completed in time for the 2004-05 school year.

See also:

• Backgrounder: Special education in Ontario schools