I have another return, Mr. Speaker, to a question asked by Mr. Antoine on June 23, 1992, with respect to education assessments of NWT children. Children in the NWT, who are experiencing difficulties learning, are given both informal and formal educational assessments within the school system. These assessments assist in planning appropriate programs, and are conducted by the classroom teacher, the special needs teacher or the special needs consultant within the child's own community.
In some cases, children are referred for further specialized assessments which involve professionals such as medical specialists. At present, these assessments are often conducted by a multi-disciplinary team from Stanton Yellowknife Hospital or at the Glenrose Hospital in Edmonton for children of the Western Arctic. Some children may also be assessed in their own community by the clinical assessment team from the Department of Social Services.
The Department of Education is aware that accessing these specialized services might be difficult. Referrals for specialized assessments must be made through a medical system or the Social Services system. These assessments are paid for by the Department of Health or the Department of Social Services. School boards have no designated funds to either provide or contract for specialized assessment services.
Because this is not just an educational issue, a working committee with representatives from the Departments of Education, Health and Social Services is looking at ways to improve the delivery of all services to children, including specialized assessment services. This committee will make recommendations for improving the access to the delivery of support services to children within the NWT during the next school year.