THE COMEBACK:

Why are you getting so angry at what I’m saying?

Well, some say that I have a quick temper. I call it a normal reaction to Bull Shit.

THE MESSAGE:

I believe that the school systems in Ontario are among the best in the world. Ontario has a combination of public and private elementary, secondary and post secondary institutions that cater to needs and development of its youth. For the most part, the educators at these institutions are very well qualified to provide for student’s needs.

TONY TODAY:

The Education Act and Special Education

In 1980 an amendment was introduced in the Ontario Legislature known as Bill 82. It was especially significant because of the changes mandated and designed to improve Special Education in Ontario schools.

The Amendment declared that it was the responsibility of all school boards to provide special education programs and services for all exceptional pupils. Such a responsibility is defined as an educational program that is based on and modified by the results of a continuous assessment and evaluation of such pupils. It includes a plan containing specific objectives and an outline of the educational services that meet the needs of the exceptional individual. The plan must ensure that special education programs and services are provided without payment of fees for any purpose.

It mandates the Minister of Education to ensure that school boards implement procedures for the early and ongoing identification of the learning abilities and needs of exceptional students. The Ministerial duties include defining the exceptionalities of pupils and prescribing classes, groups or categories of them for the schools. The Minister is to provide an appeals process for parents concerning special education identification and/or any placement decisions that were made. Ontario Tribunals were created to hear appeals brought by parents and to make final and binding decisions concerning the identification or placement of an exceptional pupil.

THE MUSIC:

We’re all in this together

INTERESTING STUFF:

McDonald’s once made bubblegum-flavored broccoli

THE PUN:

“Dear Professor, I won’t be able to come to any of your classes or meet for any of the tests. Is this a problem?”

THE LEMON:

Awarded to Andrea Horwath for trying to politicize the opening of schools in Ontario.

THE QUOTE:

"We want schools ... where students will feel free to dream about their futures, where they are able to connect their passions, where they are able to connect their passions with possible career options, and where the opportunities and resources needed to support these decisions are provided."

– Minister’s Student Advisory Council Representatives

THE CLIP: