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First "official" look at Special Education; the Hope Report
The Hope Report was a significant Ontario milestone. Its recommendations included the following:
•compulsory school attendance from age six to age sixteen
•universal Kindergarten programs
• the abolition of Grade 13
• a significant expansion of special education programs to serve children with learning disabilities -
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History of Special Education
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The Robarts Plan-reorganization of academic streams
The Robarts Plan completely reorganized the schools' program of studies. This educational reform initiative introduced three academic streams for students attending secondary school, including a two year course to prepare students directly for jobs, a four year course that included vocational training, and a more traditional five year program. -
The Ontario Human Rights Code came into effect,
As a separate initiative in 1962, the Government of Ontario repealed most of its human rights laws in order to make way for the Ontario Human Rights Code, the first comprehensive human rights code in Canada. The Code affirmed the right to equal access to services, including education. -
The Hall-Dennis Report
A key component of this report was the reinforcement of "... the right of every individual to have equal access to the learning experience best suited to his needs, and the responsibility of every school authority to provide a child centred learning continuum that invites learning by individual discovery and inquiry." -
The 70's--Implementation of 1960's policies
Through the 1970s, the major reforms initiated in the previous decade were implemented in Ontario classrooms. New program policies, credits, and diploma requirements were introduced, accompanied by new teaching techniques, often in dramatically altered classroom settings, which included the Aopen classroom@. Programs and services for students with special needs, however, were still lacking. School boards were still not required to offer special education programs and services, although some did. -
An Act to Amend the Education Act; referred to as Bill 82,
On December 12, 1980, An Act to Amend the Education Act, often referred to as Bill 82, came into effect in Ontario. This legislation, which had a significant impact on special education in the province, was part of a world wide movement towards providing all children with the opportunity for a publicly funded education, regardless of disabilities. -
Canadian Charter of Rights
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which came into effect in 1982, stipulates that every individual is equal before and under the law, and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. -
Ontario Human RIghts Code
Made a broader definition of disability -
Creation of Identification, Placement, Review Committees (IPRC)
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Report of Royal Commission on Learning
The 1995 Report of the Royal Commission on Learning, For the Love of Learning, recommended the integration of students with special needs into regular classrooms, with classroom support when necessary, while acknowledging the appropriateness of other placements, including acceleration for gifted students. -
Creation of Ministry's Spec. Ed. Guide for Educators
The ministry's Special Education: A Guide for Educators, 2001, which replaced the Special Education Information Handbook, 1984, reflects the many changes that have taken place with regard to legislation, regulations, policy, and educational practice since the publication of the earlier document. The guide explains pertinent legislation and policy, funding for special education, program planning, programs and services, and the roles of and resources provided by other ministries. -
NOW: If Identified=Access to Education
All students formally identified as exceptional by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) must have access to an education that will enable them to develop the knowledge and skills they need in order to participate in the life of Ontario's communities. The Education Act and regulations made under the Act require school boards to provide exceptional pupils with special education programs and special education services that are appropriate for their needs.