Perspectives of Northern Manitoba School Principals Attempting to Comply With New Special Education Legislation

• In Event: Roundtable Session 90
  In Roundtable Session: Special Education and the Law: Global Perspectives

Abstract

In 2005, the province of Manitoba proclaimed legislation regarding the appropriate education of students with special needs. School principals were legally designated as being responsible for ensuring the application of the legislation within their schools. In this qualitative doctoral study, 15 principals in northern Manitoba were interviewed regarding their capacity to comply with these legislative mandates. The findings reveal the principals’ perspectives regarding their knowledge of the legislation, and their supports and challenges. A framework entitled, “Enabling Conditions Supporting Principals’ Compliance: A Shared Responsibility” presents the necessity for principals to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure compliance with the new legislation. The need for effective professional development, for clarity of terminology, roles and responsibilities and for system accountability are discussed.

Author

• Joan Darlene Zaretsky, University of Manitoba