Some parents in Nova Scotia are facing a difficult decision when it comes to their children’s education. They feel that the province’s inclusive education policy is failing their children, leading them to consider taking their kids out of school or even leaving the province altogether.
One parent, Danielle Kellough, shared her experience with the public school system. Her 10-year-old daughter, Anna, has sensory processing disorder, which makes her sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and can cause anxiety or anger. Three years ago, Danielle and her husband decided to remove Anna from school because they felt her needs were not being accommodated. The school lacked resources, educational assistants, and understanding of Anna’s sensory needs, leading to a negative learning environment for her.
Despite Anna’s requests for sensory breaks being ignored, the school did not provide the support she needed. As a result, Danielle became Anna’s full-time teacher and caregiver, as Anna’s anxiety about returning to school grew. Unfortunately, Danielle is not alone in her experience. More than 10 parents have removed their children from public schools in Nova Scotia due to similar issues with the system’s inability to support children with disabilities.
The Department of Education has claimed to have increased the number of full-time teacher assistants and learning center teachers since 2016. However, the Nova Scotia Auditor General, Kim Adair, highlighted challenges in implementing the inclusive education policy in her June 2024 report on school violence. Adair noted a lack of proper support for educators to manage the diverse needs within a typical classroom.
Nova Scotia’s inclusive education policy, implemented in September 2020, has not been revised since. Deputy Education Minister Elwin LeRoux clarified that the policy does not require every student to be in the classroom all the time. This statement has sparked debate among experts like Jacqueline Specht, who believes that inclusive education should aim for all students to be in class all the time.
Parents like Melissa Anderson have tried both public and private schools for their children with disabilities, only to face similar challenges. Melissa’s 13-year-old son, Carter, who is autistic and has ADHD, struggled in both settings due to a lack of support and understanding of his needs. Despite efforts to find a suitable educational environment, Melissa is now considering leaving the province if public school does not work out for Carter.
In response to concerns about the policy, Education Department spokesperson Krista Higdon clarified that flexibility is a key aspect of the inclusive education policy. This flexibility allows for students to receive equitable and high-quality education through various programs and settings. However, experts like Specht argue that students with complex needs should be supported in traditional classrooms rather than being removed to alternative settings.
For parents like Danielle Kellough, the decision to keep their children out of school is a difficult one. While Anna is thriving at home, learning through everyday activities and focusing on her mental health, the desire for her to experience the traditional school system remains. As the debate over inclusive education continues in Nova Scotia, parents are left grappling with the best options for their children’s education.