Dear editor,
I’m writing to clear up some misinformation around the Government of Saskatchewan’s position on educational assistants (EAs). The Ministry of Education does not have a policy to reduce educational assistants and has not directed school divisions to do this. I also recently wrote to school boards to ensure there is no misunderstanding on this issue.
The ministry is working with school divisions to implement a model focusing on the unique needs of children with intensive needs to replace a model that required a medical diagnosis for support. The model includes educational assistants, but also multidisciplinary supports like speech-language pathologists, psychologists and occupational therapists. This new model continues to let the parents and the school division decide the supports that a child requires.
We’ve already received positive feedback. We’ve heard the model provides a balance of staff that can accommodate a wide range of supports for children with intensive needs, and also provides children with the tools they need to be independent and integrated into the school and the community.
We know school boards and parents are in the best position to decide what supports a child with intensive needs requires, and they still have that power. Now, they simply have more choice in terms of professional support that can be integrated into their child’s learning plans.
It’s my goal to ensure students receive the support they require so they can be as successful as possible during their school years and throughout their lives. The new model is a work in progress, but I believe we’re doing what’s right for students.
Sincerely,
Ken Krawetz
Deputy Premier
Minister of Education