CUPE Nova Scotia has made its submission to the Minister of Education on the Levin Report, commissioned by the provincial government.
President Danny Cavanagh says, “CUPE is deeply concerned about the views of Professor Levin regarding special education in the Province of Nova Scotia.
“In our view, Professor Levin clearly misunderstands the legal requirements for special education in our Province, as well as the role and responsibility of Teacher Assistants, as they are called in our Province.”
Says Cavanagh, “Following a thorough examination by CUPE’s research department, it is clear to us that Levin did no primary research for this report. He used secondary research, which we submit to the minister he misapplied.”
“Professor Levin also used secondary research about the use of teacher assistants with specific academic teaching responsibilities which bears no relationship to the actual personal support role of teacher assistants in Nova Scotia,” adds Cavanagh.
Cavanagh says, “It is troubling to us that a published report was based on such thin research with recommendations that have far reaching consequences for students with special needs in our province.”
“We are hopeful, however, that the Minister will take the input from our union, teachers, parents and other interested citizens to heart before accepting any of the recommendations from Professor Levin,” he says.
Attached is the full submission, prepared by CUPE Researcher Leanne MacMillan.
