This book has taken several years to prepare and in the course of that time we have been anxious to finish it. At the same time we have been pleased that our contributors have had more time to update their material based on their continuing involvement in integrated education initiatives. Most of the contributors are from New Brunswick and the reasons for this must be noted. First, since one of the editors is from New Brunswick, personal knowledge of the people working in this field was a factor. Second, experience with integrated education as a result of legislative and policy initiatives is unique in the province, giving educators and parents substantial experience which they have shared in this book.
A special word of thanks is due to Dr. G. Michael Fullan, Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto, for his generosity in writing the preface to this book. His words of support for the approaches put forward are encouraging reinforcement for people engaged in the struggle towards inclusion. His words are all the more powerful because he is recognized internationally as a leader in understanding educational change.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Laura Code, Publications Editor at The Roeher Institute for her cheerful but persistent prompting and motivation, without which the book would have never have been completed. All the contributors deserve recognition both for their valuable additions to the book as well as for their willingness to rework their material in order to produce a balance between the chapters.
We hope the strategies and practical suggestions presented in Changing Canadian Schools will be useful to families and educators alike. Their efforts will promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life, and improve the education system for all students.
Gordon L. Porter and Diane Richler
August, 1991
