NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010EDUC0106-001046 Sept. 8, 2010

Ministry of Education

 

EDUCATORS GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO HELP KIDS WITH FASD

 

PRINCE GEORGE – MLAs Pat Bell and Shirley Bond congratulated the Prince George-based team of educators who helped train more than 1,000 of their colleagues last year to better assist students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

 

The training was provided to educators across B.C. through the Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, known as POP FASD. Based in School District 57, Prince George, the outreach program uses social media and online learning modules to support teachers and other education professionals to better meet the needs of students challenged with FASD.

 

“Despite Fetal Alcohol Syndrome being preventable, teachers and support staff have children in their classrooms that require special assistance,” says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. “Last year, POP FASD provided training to 1,030 education professionals, including the use of new communication tools such as online learning and social media sites. I am confident this additional training will make a difference in our schools.”

 

Other highlights from POP FASD in 2009-2010 include:

·         Hosting online meetings and presentations.

·         Beginning development of three new online training courses for educators.

·         Delivering presentations in eight previously unvisited districts.

·         Producing a DVD with eLearning modules for District Partners.

 

Sept. 9 is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with FASD.

 

“We have excellent educators here in Prince George, and we are pleased to see them leading the way when it comes to better assisting students with FASD,” said Pat Bell, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. “By working together, we can ensure all our children get the best education possible.”

 

FASD is the most common preventable birth disorder in the western world and causes lifelong brain damage. Health Canada estimates nine births per 1,000 are affected in some way by prenatal alcohol exposure. It affects how the brain processes information and symptoms range from mild learning disabilities to more severe challenges, where children may have difficulty responding to emotions, planning ahead or understanding the consequences of their actions.

 

“The nature of FASD makes it a challenge for educators because no two cases are exactly alike,” said Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Education. “That’s why we are committed to supporting our educators and enhancing their understanding of how to best help the students who are affected by this disorder.”

 

The program was first launched in 2006 and in 2010-2011, more than $500,000 is being committed. The work of the POP FASD is supported by the Ministry of Education and a multi-District Steering Committee, which offers advice, direction, and feedback and works to raise the profile of FASD in school districts across the province.

 

In education, total funding for all students with special needs is now an estimated $834 million dollars a year.

 

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Media Contact:

Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963

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