300 replies to review

Press, 4 August 1987, Page 8

300 replies to review

PA Wellington One of education’s most controversial reviews received more than 300 responses at its official closing date on Friday and up to 100 more are expected over the next few days. The draft review of special education has received a lot of comment from teachers and school administering organisations, because of its apparent lack of specific policy and the fact it has begun to be implemented without sufficient injection of money and resources. The ultimate aim was to integrate handicapped

children into the school system, but special education was needed as a support service, said the review. Recently, the Education Boards’ Association expressed its concern at the way handicapped children were being introduced into the regular school system, and the president of the association, Mr Dan Walker, said that greater co-ordination and consultation with boards was needed. The boards were expected to provide the resources, but the regulations had not left any room for consultation with them, he said.

In May, the primary teachers’ union withdrew its support from the programme until adequate funding, time, training and classrooms were provided. Both organisations affirmed their support for the principle of mainstreaming, but members were concerned other children were suffering as a result of inadequate resources. At the education boards’ conference in Wanganui last week, the Minister of Education, Mr Marshall, said mainstreaming would not mean all handicapped children would be educated in regular classes.