Current Status of Vocational Education in Ontario: the Exclusionary Outcomes of Marrying Vocational and Special Education
Loading...
Authors
Kajganich, Gillian
Date
2017-04-28
Type
other
Language
en
Keyword
Vocational Education , Ontario , Exclusion , Marriage , Special Education
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Government of Ontario 's universal student success initiative
makes the claim that, through expanded programs, Ontario high
schools are "changing to meet the individual needs of students and
to help more of them succeed" (More Ways to Succeed, 2008, p.
2). Although it is up to each individual school board to determine
the types of vocational and special education programming they
provide, it is becoming increasingly common for Ontario 's
vocational programming to be available only for students
receiving special education. This paper explores how the ideas that
drove the creation of vocational education in Ontario have become
extremely disconnected from the current reality of vocational
schools. Recent trends in high school programming are leading
towards the marrying of vocational and special education two
terms that are by no means synonymous. Through interviews and
document analysis, this case study of one vocational high school
highlights the current status of vocational education and
illuminates how it has become linked to special education. This
study also considers whether current practice in a vocational
school that was originally founded on a vision of practical
education for all is aligned with the current inclusionary model 's
promise of equitable access to a variety of programs for all
learners.
Description
CURRENT STATUS OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN
ONTARIO: THE EXCLUSIONARY OUTCOMES OF MARRYING
VOCATIONAL AND SPECIAL EDUCATION