A recent announcement by the provincial government to provide a $1 million “boost” to private schools has sparked a war of words among advocates of public education.
The new money is earmarked for special needs students attending specialized independent schools, including two located in Richmond. It allows the government to double the number of designated Special Education Schools (SES) from six to 15, providing $2,000 annually of support to each of 500 new students.
But feeling left out are the 45,000 special needs students in the public education system, said Andrea Kennedy, a parent and spokesperson for parent group BC Parents of Special Needs Children, who feels the stepped-up level of funding is another example of the provincial government’s intention to create a two-tiered education system.
“Now, with this week’s funding, the government acknowledges the need for these services and indicates that they want to provide essential, specialized services — but only if you are in one of these select, private schools,” said Kennedy, via email.
“They’re breaking the system and moving us further toward a two-tiered education program; one for those who can afford quality education and one for those who are relegated to an under-resourced public system,” said Kennedy.
Education Minister Mike Bernier made the announcement Oct. 4, joined by the Federation of Independent School Associations, at PALS autism school, a newly designated SES for students with moderate to severe autism.
“All students in our province deserve a learning environment that helps them succeed. Our expanded support for special education schools is expanding choice for parents and support for some of our most vulnerable children,” said Bernier, via a news release.
“These schools are offering tailored and specialized learning programs that help bring countless benefits to these children and their families.”
The move was welcomed by private schools.
“At-risk students or students with special needs require a much higher level of support than regularly enrolled students . . . This partnership between government and special education schools enables vulnerable students to acquire the skills they need to function independently in society when they graduate,” said Dr. Peter Froese, executive director with the Federation of Independent School Associations.
The ministry stated in its news release that it funds special needs in the public system to the tune of $983 million.
But that’s of little consequence to Kennedy, citing concerns over funding cuts to districts, including inadequate training for education assistants, cuts to special needs staff and inadequate access to specialized services.
“We are demanding that funding provided to children with special needs in our public education system be adequate to meet their needs,” said Kennedy.
