“Inclusive education is central to the achievement of high-quality education for all learners and the development of more inclusive societies. Inclusion is still thought of in some countries as an approach to serving children with disabilities within general educational settings. Internationally, however, it is increasingly seen more broadly as a reform that supports and welcomes diversity amongst all learners”. (UNESCO, 2008, p.5)

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Rabeah Kayla Zeenat Jessica Liza

LEARNING GOALS By the end of this presentation you will be able to: -> Define important terms -> Identify Ontario Equity and Inclusive Education Strategies. -> Identify TTSB Equity and Inclusion Policies -> Identify your Rights and Responsibilities

SUCCESS CRITERIA You will be able to: -> Identify the problems with problematic skits. -> Brainstorm solutions and role-play “correct” solutions. -> Apply rights and responsibilities to a case-study. -> Discuss how you will make your classroom inclusive and equitable.

SKITS Watch the skit. Why was this problematic? With your group: Brainstorm what the teacher SHOULD have done. Role-play with your group.

Equity included in curriculum. Equitable opportunities for success Bias-free hiring procedures Contributions from diverse groups encouraged Effective procedures to address equity concerns Funding to promote PD related to equity Procedures to review/assess current practices

CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE Every student and employee, has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment. TDSB is committed to ensuring that education on human rights issues is provided to staff and students. 3.2 Teachers have an obligation to ensure a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment and to respond quickly if this does occur. Preventative education and proactive practices are the best way to go. 4.2 Direct Discrimination Indirect Discrimination Systemic Discrimination Harassment Negative Environments Fostered Hate Group Activities

Public schools should not have religious exercises conducted in schools. (Education Act.) Religious accommodations must be made for religious holidays and other religious needs in order to be accessible and equitable. CASE STUDY In Valley Park Middle School in the TDSB there were about 100 Muslim students leaving the school every Friday afternoon for Friday prayers. These prayers are a mandatory prayer for Muslims. The time that they spent going and coming to and from the local mosque for these prayers was taking up instructional time. How might the school and the board address this issue? Who are the stakeholders? What are their concerns? How does this case deal with the issue of inclusive and equitable education?

Who is protected? What can I do? When you complain. “All students must be allowed to learn in an environment where they are treated with respect, dignity, and understanding. The TDSB is committed to a school system and workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment.” Discrimination is any behavior which has a negative effect on an individual or group because of their: Age Ancestry Citizenship Colour Creed (faith) Disability Ethnic Origin Family Status Gender Gender Identity Marital Status Place of Origin Race Same sex partnership Sexual Orientation Socioeconomic Status Who is protected? What can I do? When you complain. Students Teachers Other Staff Visitors to School Talk to others Keep a record Speak up Get assistance File a complaint Informal resolution Mediated resolution Managerial formal resolution Formal complaint process

REFERENCES Toronto District School Board. (2014). Equitable and Inclusive Education. Retrieved on: Nov 6, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/elementaryschool/theclassroom/equityinclusion.aspx Toronto District School Board. (June 23, 1999). Equity Foundation Statement. Retrieved on: Nov 6, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www2.tdsb.on.ca/ppf/uploads/files/live/102/200.pdf Toronto District School Board. (May 19, 2004). Human Rights Statement. Retrieved on: Nov 6, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www2.tdsb.on.ca/ppf/uploads/files/live/95/195.pdf Toronto District School Board. (2011). Guidelines and Procedures for Religious Accommodations. Retrieved on: Nov 6, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/HighSchool/docs/Guidelines%20and%20Procedures%20for%20Religious%20Accommodations.pdf https://www.principals.ca/documents/Equity%20and%20Inclusive%20Education.pdf http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.pdf