Inclusion hurting some students, teachers' exec says

The outgoing president of the New Brunswick Teachers' Association says the focus on inclusion in the classroom is preventing the education system from meeting the needs of all students.

Heather Smith, whois completing her two-year term as the association's president in August, is calling on the provincial government to take another look at whether inclusion is working.

"Often it's behaviours of students that are affecting the learning of other students and the working environment of all those in the school," she said.

"And when you have a few students that have severe behaviour issues, that can really disrupt the school environment and the learning of others."

Smith says the education system is underfunded and there aren't enough resources for inclusion to be successful.

"Really it's just moving money within the system, so robbing Peter to pay Paul doesn't solve it," she said.

"We need supports outside of education in terms of mental health and social development."

Smith, who plans to return to her job as a principal when her term ends, said she wants to make sure all students have an opportunity to be successful.

She iscalling on the provincial government to come up with an education plan,which, to date, ithas failed to do.

Teachers need to know what the goals are so they can narrow their focus with limited resources, she said.