Knowing your child’s rights and responsibilities is important. It helps you advocate for your child and enables you to ask the “right” questions of the right people. Overall, there are 8 key legislative and policy documents that you should be aware of as a parent/guardian. They include international, provincial, and local legislation. We HIGHLY encourage to to check out the following links:
All of these documents articulate respect for human rights and the importance of education for all children. Most importantly, they help you understand your child’s educational rights and responsibilities.
Special note: The Education Act is the main piece of legislation that governs public education in Saskatchewan. Any changes to The Act need to be approved in the legislative assembly and involve significant consultation and discussion. Key sections of The Education Act were revised in 2008. Specifically, the term disability was removed.
What? Why?
The Ministry of Education removed the term disability following recommendations from The Special Education Review Final Report (January, 2000). The new sections of The Act now refer to pupils with intensive needs. Saskatchewan was the first province to make this change and transform special education to a needs-based approach.
About Elaine Caswell
At Elaine’s core, she is a teacher. Throughout her diverse roles as a classroom teacher, school principal, guidance counselor, superintendent, Director of Education and Director of Children’s Services at the Ministry of Education, Elaine has taught, mentored, built strong relationships with families and facilitated individual, group and systemic change.
About Louise Burridge
Louise is an occupational therapist. As one of the first occupational therapists to work in Saskatchewan schools, Louise has worked with numerous families to foster growth and development, facilitate accessibility and support inclusive education. Louise has continued this work as a Student Services Coordinator, at the Ministry of Education, and Director of Professional Practice with the Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists. She now owns and operates OuTcomes Therapy in Regina.
