All students benefit from inclusive education: school board chairperson
School board’s inclusive philosophy a driving force for 41 years
Deron Hamel
Since 1969, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s (HWCDSB) philosophy — “Each belongs” — has been a driving force in the board’s effort to ensure that all students are included in every aspect of academic life, no matter their abilities.
The result of this philosophy has been that all students benefit socially and academically, says Patrick Daly, chairperson of the board of trustees for HWCDSB.
He points out that students attending schools represented by the board can expect to find themselves in supportive environments where friendships are made. Academic testing by the province and school board indicates that students of all abilities attain “positive results” in this atmosphere, Daly adds.
“It’s clear to all of us who have seen this system work over the last number of years that there have been two very important results. The first would be the fact that children (who have a disability) are able to attend their neighbourhood schools with their brothers and sisters, their friends and their neighbours, which is their right,” says Daly.
“The other is that other students have benefited — and I’ve seen this on numerous occasions. They benefit from having these young people as their classmates in their schools. They clearly have a much better understanding of the challenges of some of their peers, but also of the gifts that these young people bring to our school.”
Characterized by some as “the most inclusive school board on Earth,” HWCDSB’s philosophy stems from the “Catholic vision of the child,” says Daly.
He adds that the “Each belongs” philosophy has been ingrained in every teacher, principal and administrator in the 57 schools represented by the board. The philosophy, Daly notes, “has become part of who they are.”
“They all ensure that all of our students are included. We have no segregated programs,” says Daly.
“Since we have no segregated programs, all of our students are integrated into the full life of the school, academically, spiritually, and (with) the arts (and) athletics, depending on the abilities of the child and the wishes of the parents.”
What has sustained the philosophy, says Daly, is the support of parents and their love for their children, coupled with vigorous staff commitment.
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— Part 1 of a two-part series
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