PRESIDENT'S JOURNAL

An Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy

The Equity and Inclusion Strategy aimed at addressing the barriers related to sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination was launched by the McGuinty government on April 6, 2009.

In 2008, Minister of Education, Kathleen Wynne called for the creation of an equity and inclusive education strategy that would advance the three core ministry priorities. A team of educational leaders and specialists was formed to review research, reports and existing policies and programs in school boards, and to consult with all stakeholders. CPCO participated in the consultations last year, and was consulted on the guidelines and Policy Memorandum that accompanied the document.

The resulting strategy calls for:

• the ministry to provide direction, support and guidance to the education sector, so that every student has a positive learning environment in which to achieve his/her highest potential;
• each school board to develop and implement equity policies and guidelines for the board and its schools; and
• each school to create and support a positive school climate that fosters and promotes equity, inclusive education, and diversity.

The strategy is designed to promote fundamental human rights and does respect the Catholic values outlined in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Various action items are to be implemented over four years. The ministry expects all boards to have an equity and inclusive education policy and implementation plan, including a guideline on religious accommodation, in place by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. Boards are expected to align all initiatives with equity and inclusive education policies and practices. It will be imperative that Catholic school boards ensure that our denominational rights are respected throughout the implementation process.

CPCO’s initial response to the Equity and Inclusion Strategy document was favourable as it promotes the building of a positive learning environment, takes steps towards reducing discrimination and embraces diversity. CPCO did suggest that the supporting guideline reflect that ownership for the implementation of the strategy be shared by the entire school, not just school principals. CPCO also stressed that funds to train students, staff and parents should be in place to give import to the strategy.

The full document is available on the Ministry of Education’s website.

Upcoming Events

April 23 – Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association Banquet
April 25 – Member Security Committee Meeting
April 27 – Halton Elementary P/VP Association Visit

If you would like to comment or provide feedback on the President’s Journal, please contact Joan Duckitt at president@cpco.on.ca.