Thank you for gift Ms Casey!

On November 7th, Nova Scotia's Minister of Education announced that she would NOT get rid of the Tuition Support Program. This was a long awaited and substantial win for EEANS, parents and their children who desparately need this program. We have been working hard to educate politians and the public on the TSP as well as putting pressure on government to reject the recommendation of the Review Commitee to cancel the program ever since it's release in September. We applaud Ms. Casey for doing the right thing by keeping the program.

This is just a partial win however as she also refused to extend it beyond the arbitrary three year time limit. The three year time limit is not based on any educational or medical basis. The department just thinks three years should be enough for a child who is significatley behind to catch up. Many, many children who are fortunate enough finally find their way to a special education school are 3-5 years behind their peers. The transformation of a child who is significantly behind in grade level, broken and lacks confidence takes time. What we are asking for is to give these children the time they need before you cut off their funding. EEANS will keep trying get an extention to the program.

Since she refused to extend the TSP, it will leave many parents to make a very tough decition over the holidays: To pay the full amount of tuition at a special needs private school (and continue to see their child prosper at a place that works for them), or send their kids back to what even Ms. Casey admit is a below par special education services at public school. The Minister in her press release said:

"In the short term, we are not prepared to take away the opportunity for those who can benefit from the program. My commitment will be to continue the program until we are able to provide, in our public schools, one that is equal to it or better."


On the other hand, this admission that public schools are presently not up to the same standard as these special education private schools create a problem for Ms. Casey and the Department of Education. They are bound by the Education Act to provide the best education until undue hardship to children for free. Which means that if there is a better way to educuate children with learning disabilites (regardless of public or private) -and it doesn't cost any more- then children have a right to it! Not for just three years, but until for as long as they need it or until they finish grade 12.

The admission that public school is failing children with learning disabilities will come in handy for anyone who may be thinking of taking the Minister to court in order to receive TSP beyond three years. It may allow parents to seek the full tuition cost and not the half.

So, in a way, I guess her announcment is very good news for children with learning disabilities and their parents who seek an equal and adquite education because she is has now come out on record that many children with severe learning disabilities cannot be helped by remaining in public schools.

Brian