The Greater Essex Count District School Board (GECDSB) is considering eliminating the RISE program in our schools.  According to the Board’s website, the Reaching Individual Success and Excellence (RISE) program is a partially integrated special education classroom within the student’s home school. The RISE program is designed to support students with a designated exceptionality, with a focus on Language Arts and Math.  The smaller group setting within these rooms allow students to succeed through individualized programming, which is uniquely suited to their strengths and needs.

The Greater Essex Elementary Teachers’ Federation and its members call on the school board to leave the RISE program and any other supports tied directly to meeting student needs in our schools alone as they find ways to cut spending.  No savings should be made at the expense of our students and frontline educators.  Inclusion without proper supports is abandonment.  Hands-off our special education classrooms.