Tuition Support Program to Continue

The Department of Education is improving the tuition support program for students with autism, learning disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A review committee, including non-government members, examined the program and made 12 recommendations.

Education Minister Marilyn More announced today, April 14, that she accepts 10 of the 12 recommendations in whole or in part.

The review was ordered after the Review of Services for Students with Special Needs in 2007 recommended the program be cancelled.

"The Tuition Support Program will continue to be one part of the array of programming and services options available to students with learning disabilities," said Ms. More. "As part of this continuum of services, it will help us ensure that students have the supports in place so they can reach their potential."

Changes to the program include:

• setting the length of program eligibility at three years
• improving transition planning into, and out of, the program
• adding an optional 4th year for transition, if required
• enhancing accountability and professional development
• simplifying the application process
• increasing accessibility for French-speaking students

In this school year, 159 students are enrolled in the program. All students will be eligible for a transition year in 2010-11.

"We commend the Minister's commitment to increase equitable access for all students through enhanced programming and services and recognize the benefit that the Tuition Support Program provides to some families in the Halifax, Wolfville and Truro areas," said Joachim Stroink, president of Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia. "We will continue to work with the government on ensuring enhanced and inclusive services for students affected by learning disabilities throughout Nova Scotia."

Students with special needs receive programming and support in neighbourhood schools. The tuition support program, however, provides financial assistance while eligible students attend a short-term placement at a designated private special education school.

This year, each student enrolled in the program will receive $6,600 to pay part of the tuition at the three approved schools: Landmark East in Wolfville; Churchill Academy in Dartmouth; and Bridgeway Academy in Dartmouth and Truro. Eligible families receive supplemental funding. The program will cost $1.37 million this school year.

The minister's response to the Tuition Support Program Review can be found online at www.ednet.ns.ca .