Inadequate services for disadvantaged students, according to the ombudsman

This is the main finding of the ombudsman, Marc-André Dowd, who conducted the investigation after being brought to the point difficulty in accessing these services for some students.

His special report, The student first : for services tailored to the needs of students with social maladjustments or learning difficulties, will be presented to the National Assembly on Monday. It contains 11 recommendations.

A question of funding

The ombudsman regrets that educational institutions do not have the staff required to meet the needs of all students.

The offer of complementary educational services (remedial education, psychoeducation, speech therapy, special education, psychology) is limited by available funds.

This situation is quite concerned, because the services are offered according to what is possible; some students are not making the progress they could be, the report says.

One in seven students

In Quebec, the Education Act guarantees every student the right to receive free tutoring services and auxiliary educational services.

More than 86,000 elementary students-one in seven-currently have adjustment or learning difficulties.

At an important stage in their development, elementary students lack the attention they need from the school system to promote their success.said Mr. Dowd in his report.

While they are “waiting their turn” for services to which the law is entitled to them, these struggling students are not making the expected progress and their delays continue, which slowing down their school careers.He added.

Favorable reception from Minister Roberge

Education Minister Jean-François Roberge was quick to respond in favor of defender Marc-André Dowd. That’s appropriate the current model for funding services for students with special needs is flawed.

He added that a new funding model will take effect in 2023, and that it could free up 375,000 hours of bureaucracy for direct student service.

Minister Roberte said that is large was added to increase the offer of continuing education.

In addition, we are already acting to combat the shortage of professionals in the school network, particularly through our Respond today recruitment campaign, which is productive.graduation of the Minister of Education.