The province announced plans Friday to do away with what it calls a "dual education system" which delivers mainstream and special education separately. The plans would see the education system re-position special education within the traditional classroom.
"The work ahead marks an incredible shift in the way we educate all of our children," said Minister of Education Dave Hancock. "An educational culture that values the unique gifts of each and every child, and a new approach to service delivery will enable us to better integrate and tailor supports to the needs of our children and youth, so that every student can achieve success."
It has taken about a year-and-a-half of consultation to come up with several recommendations outlined in a new provincial report, "Setting the Direction Framework".
The report identifies three key priority areas, which includes curriculum, capacity and collaboration, and expresses high expectations for change in how supports and services are provided to children and youth with special needs.
The system is already in place at Crawford Plains School in south Edmonton where the announcement was made.
"Stop looking at the students' needs and more at their strengths," said Jeanne Carter, principal at Crawford Plains School.
The report was developed through input gathered from more than 7,000 Albertans during three phases of public consultation.
It's not clear at this point how the new initiative will be funded. The government says establishing a funding model is the next step in the process.
The cost of the ongoing consultation process is pegged at $2.5- million.
With files from CTV Edmonton's Jessica Earle
