Assessing without labels : Inclusive education in the Canadian context

Inclusive education in the Canadian context The history of accommodating the needs of diverse learners in contemporary educational settings parallels the evolution of social, anthropological and psychological systems of our time (Kauffman, 1981). [...] In fact, so strong is the current philosophy of inclusion that the literature on perspectives of student diversity is dominated by criticisms of special education and the benefits (and challenges) of inclusion. [...] Wotherspoon uses the history of aboriginal and indigenous education in Canada to illustrate the impact of a deficit-based model on a people’s identity: Schooling has contributed to the subjugation and marginalization of aboriginal people but is regarded as a critical agency for their future social, economic and political success…. [...] The report went on to recommend: A First Nations education system grounded in the wisdom of indigenous knowledge, that respects the vision of parents and elders and reinforces the teaching of language and culture will measure its success through the development of caring and respectful people who are valued contributors to their communities and live in harmony with their environment (P. [...] Following release of The White Paper and Indian Control of Indian Education the responsibility for teaching Inuit children had become the responsibility of the government of the Northwest Territories.