The Minister has argued strongly for equity in the quality of education between rural and urban districts, but has been unwilling to consider the inequity of one school district supporting parental choice for an inclusive education, while another denies the same. Interestingly, in a time of limited funds, Alberta Education and some school districts continue to find the time and resources to deny inclusive opportunities to young children. Last spring the Alberta Teachers' Association released a report which rightly raised the issue of support in the integrated classroom but also gave credibility to arguments against students with special needs based on dehumanization and prejudice. The talk show air waves have been filled with other voices of intolerance and letters to newspaper editors have called for a return to segregated schools. One school district's staff newsletter has regularly printed articles promoting discrimination against students with severe disabilities.
Leaner times seem to produce meaner times.
Recognizing the need to support the advancements achieved to-date, the responsibility to address legitimate issues, and the obligation to respond to prejudice, AACL has launched an inclusive education initiative. This is a positive initiative in support of students, parents, teachers, and schools. These funds will enable school districts and teachers to participate at a lower cost. Financial subsidies to teachers - Subsidies are being made available to enable teachers to attend courses, workshops, seminars and conferences on inclusive education. This past summer, AACL provided assistance to a dozen Alberta teachers to attend the Summer Institute on Integrated Education at the University of Calgary.