Special Education Department

Head:

Mrs. Susanne Morrison

(905) 895-2384 ext 242

Special Education programs are designed to accommodate students identified as exceptional and placed by an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (I.P.R.C.). Placement of exceptional students is reviewed annually. The Special Education Department offers a variety of a programs at different levels of service. Special education staff and classroom teachers work closely to encourage and assist students to be successful in all their courses. Please contact the Head of Special Education for further information about Special Education support.

Regular Class/Monitor

Students placed on monitoring service have displayed effective learning strategies in the classroom, as well as self-advocacy skills and require minimal support. Special education teachers consult with the regular classroom teacher. If extra help is needed at any time, students are encouraged to contact their special education monitoring teacher. Classroom and examination accommodation are also available.

Regular Class with Resource and/or Withdrawal:
Some exceptional students who require additional support with a core subject such as Mathematics, Science or English may be grouped and taught by a subject-specific teacher and resourced by a special education teacher.

Language/Learning Disabilities Class (Grade 9 and 10)

Some students with a Learning Disability may require more intensive support in a self-contained setting. Students will have one teacher for Applied English, Mathematics, Geography/History and Learning Strategies. In addition, students may be placed in a class offering resource support in Science.

Self-Contained Autism Spectrum Disorder Class (Grades 9 to 12)

This class is for students identified with ASD who require a structured setting that targets social-emotional, communication, and behavioural needs. Generally, students will be working at the academic, applied or locally developed level with reading/concept comprehension at a minimum of grade 6 level or higher. This program provides instruction for the development of individual strategies and technology with access to support personnel throughout their day.

Intensive Support (Grades 9 to 12)

This self-contained class is designed for students who need full replacement programming to achieve success, and who would benefit from a more protective environment. The students remain together for their core courses in Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills. Students may choose one or two optional courses from Visual Arts, Music, Business, Technical Education or Family Studies. This is a non-credit program.

Life Skills Program

This program provides the opportunity for students between the ages of 14 and 21 who have been identified as having a Developmental Disability or Multiple Exceptionality to participate in a program which includes life skills and functional academics and promotes independence in the community. Skills from the following areas may be included: vocational and applied academics, communication, self-help, motor and social. The level of challenge is adapted to the needs and capabilities of each student. Opportunities for work experience under the direction of an educational assistant prepare the student for transition from school to the workplace.

These courses are for students who have been identified through the IPRC process. Please contact the Head of Special Education for additional information.

Transition Planning For
Students With Disabilities:
We have learned that many students are unaware that the OSR (Ontario Student Record) does NOT follow them from secondary to postsecondary school. Students who require transition planning should request copies of the following information:

• The latest IEP (Individual Education Plan) or IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) form
• Any psychological assessments
• A statement from resource or other staff indicating what accommodations the student was receiving in their final year
  

Students should see their Monitor teachers for further information.

last updated: 2009-10-20