Teachers' union says 'positive learning environment' compromised

The New Brunswick Teachers' Association says it has sent a letter to Education Minister Serge Rousselleasking for an immediate review of the government's inclusion policy.

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Guy Arseneault, theNBTA president, said in a statement posted on Facebook thatalthough teachers support inclusion, "issues such as a lack of clarity, inconsistent application and conflict with other policies make it increasingly difficult to meet the collective needs of ALL students."

ArseneaultsaidPolicy 322, which sets out the guidelines for inclusion in all New Brunswick schools, is in conflict with the positive learning and working environment or Policy 703.

He said the positive learning environment is being compromised because of disruptions in the classroom.

In a statement to CBC News, the education ministersaid the government is committed to ensuring that each student receives an education "that meets his or her needs."

"We have received the NBTA's letter regarding inclusive education and a response to the union will be provided in the near future," Rousselle said.

This is not the first time the New Brunswick Teachers Association has raised this issue.

In 2013, then-outgoing president Heather Smithsaid the focus on inclusion in the classroom was preventing the education system from meeting the needs of all students.

"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 said the education system wasunderfunded and there weren't enough resources for inclusion to be successful.

Arseneault has been posting a statement a day onFacebook since Monday. Wednesday's postechoesSmith's comments.

"Resources to support inclusion have been woefully inadequate for decades," he said.

When the inclusion guidelines were introduced, he said, "millions of dollars were mandated" for implementation.

"However, no 'new money' was added to the system, resulting in cuts toexisting services, programs and options for all students. This cannot continue!," said Arseneault.