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Saskatchewan's Needs Based Model

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Considering the ultimate goal of each model is imperative to further understand another one of the main differences between the approach to LD each province uses; the use of labels. Saskatchewan’s Needs-based model argues that considering students’ individual needs to support them is more important than using labels that categorize disabilities (Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, 2015). In contrast, British Columbia continues to use categorical LD labels (designations) that classify students’ needs and prescribe general services (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2010). Although both approaches seek to support students’ learning to achieve success, it could be argued that Saskatchewan service delivery framework offers a more …show more content…

After examination of alternative funding models, the province has created subcomponents of instruction (base instruction, school-based support, and supports for learning), where each subcomponent allocates funding to each school board for specific expenses (Education Funding Branch, 2017; Kozey & Siegel, 2008). In terms of LD (intensive supports) funding, it is the supports for learning subcomponent (SFL) that allocates funding for expenses related to LD support under the needs-based model, such as salary and non-salary costs (Education Funding Branch, 2017). Salary costs include teachers, professionals, consultants, while non-salary costs refer to resources such as assistive technology (Education Funding Branch, 2017). Since 2016, the SFL uses a rate-based approach and the funds in this subcomponent are meant to comprehend services for all students, ensuring that they all receive high-quality instruction, support and assessments (Education Funding Branch, 2017). As the Funding Manual 2017-18 suggests, school districts are to ensure that their SFL funding is spent based on students’ support needs (Education Funding Branch, 2017). In the school year 2017-18, the SFL will distribute $277.5 million (Education Funding Branch, 2017).
The rate-based approach used in the SFL subcomponent includes several factors, each one with a factor unit value (Education Funding Branch, 2017). Amongst the

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