We envision an inclusive education system in Ontario in which:
- all students, parents and other members of the school community are welcomed and respected;
- every student is supported and inspired to succeed in a culture of high expectations for learning.
To achieve an equitable and inclusive school climate, school boards and schools will
strive to ensure that all members of the school community feel safe, comfortable and
accepted. We want all staff and students to value diversity and to demonstrate respect
for others and a commitment to establishing a just, caring society.
Guiding Principles of the Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy
Equity and inclusive education:
- is a foundation of excellence
- meets individual needs
- identifies and eliminates barriers
- promotes a sense of belonging
- involves the broad community
- builds on and enhances previous and existing initiatives
- is demonstrated throughout the system.
In order to achieve equity and inclusive education in Ontario schools,
we must pursue the following three goals, which are rooted in our three
core education priorities:
- Shared and committed leadership by the ministry, boards and schools will play a critical role in eliminating discrimination through the identification and removal of bias and barriers. Achieving equity is a shared responsibility; establishing an equitable and inclusive education system requires commitment from all education partners.
- Equity and inclusive education policies and practices will support positive learning environments so that all students can feel engaged in and empowered by what they are learning, supported by the teachers and staff from whom they are learning, and welcome in the environment in which they are learning. Students, teachers and staff learn and work in an environment that is respectful, supportive and welcoming to all.
- Accountability and transparency will be demonstrated through the use of clear measures of success (based on established indicators) and through communication to the public of our progress towards achieving equity for all students. Accountability is necessary to maintain and enhance public confidence in the education system.
(Source: Ontario’s Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy, 2009)