Inclusive Education Perspective: What To Do If You Disagree With A School Board Decision About Your

The Education Act (1997) provides guidance to parents and caregivers if they disagree with a decision made by boards of education/schools. When this happens, parents/guardians can access a review process. Sections 178.1(1) – 178.1(6) of The Education Act outline how parents can approach disagreements about their child’s educational program. Here’s the process:

• If a parent disagrees with a decision of the board of education about the results of their child’s assessment, about a lack of assessment, or about the services provided to their child, they should ask the principal to review the issue.

• The principal will review and attempt to resolve the issue with the parent.

• If the principal is unable to resolve the matter to the satisfaction of the parent, the parent may request the board of education review the issue. The review must be completed within 30 days after receiving the request from the parent.

• A review by a board of education will be conducted by an impartial person acceptable to both the parent and the board of education. This person must not have made any decisions about the student’s assessment or educational services. They must provide a written report within 30 days after the completion of the review to the parent and board of education.

• Each board of education will have written policies and procedures that agree with the Ministry’s direction on dealing with reviews. All of these policies and procedures are available on your school division’s website.

If you disagree, there is a process you can follow. Involving an independent third party can be a helpful option. Use it if you need it!

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.