GECDSB considers changes to special education [Video]

Parents of children with learning disabilities are seeking “certainty” on the long-term status of a program that provides tailored special education support in language and math within schools.

During Tuesday’s meeting of trustees for the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB), parents Ilana Mizel and Joanna Conrad — who both have children with learning disabilities — were visibly emotional while discussing the stress they are feeling over an ongoing review of the GECDSB’s RISE program.

“I’m here to tell you that it has been incredibly stressful…not to have any certainty about what type of supports and accommodations our children are going to have not only next year, but for the rest of their education,” said Mizel.

Students enrolled in the RISE program (Reaching Individual Success and Excellence) receive specialized instruction focused on language, arts, and math in a classroom with eight to 11 students.

“My child is seven years …