Supporting the right to read for all

Opinion

Articles in the Free Press (Reading, writing, punching, kicking incidents are surging in Manitoba schools, July 18) and (Child and youth care specialists can make schools safer, Aug. 7) offer important insight into the increasing violence in schools in Manitoba.

I note Alan Campbell’s comment that “unmet education needs” can manifest in the form of violence, and inclusive education teacher Luanne Karn mentions many students had a physical or cognitive disability. Cognitive disabilities include specific learning disabilities where there are known approaches to help these children.

Doug Adams, a teacher in Brandon, told me of his experience in École New Era School where children were not grouped in classes by age, but rather by their stage of learning – whether in math, English language, or other courses. Such teaching strategies to meet students at their level are often used in music education. Because students in each class were at a similar learning level, the students were better engaged and the extent of behavioural problems dropped dramatically. It is a clear example of adapting so all students learning needs are met with a resulting drop in behavioural issues. While this is not an answer to all problems, it is an option that can be used to enhance student learning.

John Wiens (School violence has its roots in society, Aug. 6) writes that the actions of politicians “will likely prove insufficient.” While actions at a local school level can make a big difference, there is also an important role for politicians. It is at a minimum two fold.

First, political action is critical to address the needs of children with learning disabilities. The Supreme Court ruling of Nov 9, 2012, said the public school system must provide children, including those with dyslexia, the ability to learn to read. Jeffrey Moore, in British Columbia, was unable to get the help he needed in a public school and his parents had to pay for him to go to a private school. The court ruled it was the responsibility of the public school to provide the instruction Jeffrey needed. Manitoba must fully accept the ruling of the Supreme Court and put in place the mechanisms, including if needed in legislation, to ensure the needs of children with dyslexia are met.

Unfortunately, in Manitoba, the province is still not following the Supreme Court ruling. I have talked to Manitoba families who have had to pay thousands of dollars each year so their children can go to a private school, or be helped by a private teacher with expertise in helping children with dyslexia. Helping children with dyslexia is clearly, as per the Supreme Court ruling, under the mandate of the public education system, and the system, where it is unable to help children with dyslexia should provide the funding for this education by private sector experts. Where the public school is not helping a child with dyslexia or other reading disability, wisdom suggests the parents should be able to have funding for private tutoring.

Autism and ADHD can be accompanied by a learning disability like dyslexia. The Supreme Court ruling covers help for children with dyslexia even when they have these co-occurring conditions. This can increase the challenge of diagnosing and treating a learning disability, but it is even more critical that the child or adult is helped to learn to read.

Second, the province needs to assess the funding required to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties. All children must be screened early. And most critically, children who are flagged in the screening must be adequately supported to learn to read. This is essential to help children with learning disabilities do well. It is also essential if we want to successfully decrease the level of violence in our schools.

Addressing school violence requires both immediate and systemic action. Classroom-level strategies that adapt to students’ learning needs must be supported by a provincial commitment to uphold children’s rights to education. The Supreme Court of Canada has made clear that children with learning disabilities are entitled to the specialized instruction they require.

Manitoba must finally implement this ruling in full, ensuring early screening, adequate supports, and where needed funded access to private expertise. Only when every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive will we see a meaningful reduction in the frustration, disengagement, and violence currently plaguing our schools.

Jon Gerrard is the former MLA for River Heights.