special education in the calgary board of education presented by: debra caso-rohland pat loewen
TRANSCRIPT
Special Education in the Calgary Board of Education
Presented by:
Debra Caso-Rohland
Pat Loewen
Student Services Specialist
Responsibilities:o assist schools with the allocation of
resources which support inclusion
Agenda
Provincial, System, CBE perspectives for education
Special Education within CBE Statistics Standards for Special Education Types of Supports Process to Support Special Education
Alberta School Act
Preamble:WHEREAS the best educational
interests of the student are the paramount considerations in the exercise of any authority under this Act;
Mega-End of the CBE
Each student in keeping with his or her individual abilities and gifts, will complete high school with a foundation of learning to function effectively in life, work and continued learning.
CBE Program Options
At the CBE students of all ages are given opportunity to participate in a variety of programs that recognize the distinct ways that students learn while supporting their interests and abilities.
Definition of Special Education
“students with special needs” means:o students described in section 47 of the
School Act as being in need of special education programs because of their behavioral, communicational, intellectual, learning or physical characteristics, or
students who may require specialized health care services,
students who are gifted and talented.
About Special Education in the CBE
In 2006, 16,996 (18.5%) of the students in CBE were identified with special education needs. This is significantly above the Alberta Education estimated provincial average of 12%.
13,225 students attended regular community school classrooms;
Special Education in CBE
2,783 students were supported in specialized programs in community schools;
988 students attended unique schools
In the past 10 years, there has been a 269% increase in the number of students with special education needs
Number of Special Education Students
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
2003 2004 2005 2006
Special Education Students by Area
I II III IV V
How CBE supports Special Education Students
School board requirements, in serving students with special needs, include services in the following four areas:
Accesso Students with special needs are entitled to have access
in a school year to an education program in accordance with the School Act. Students with special needs receive adapted/modified programs that enable and improve learning.
Appropriateness Educational programs and services are designed
around the assessed needs of the student and are provided by qualified staff who are knowledgeable and skilled.
Special Education in CBE
Accountability Timely, fair and open processes protect
the rights of students and parents and address differences of opinion about the education of students with special needs
Appeals The obligation to answer for the execution
of one's responsibilities as it relates to reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and participation.
Standards for Special Education Our work of is guided by the
Standards for Special Education (June 2004 ), Alberta Education.
In the Standards for Special Education, special education refers to the education of students with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities and/or those who are gifted and talented.
It is founded on the belief that all children can learn and reach their full potential given opportunity, effective teaching and appropriate resources.
Types of Supports
Process to Support Special Education
Consultation with Student Services Specialist
Collaboration between school and Student Services Specialist
Identification of needs at school level
Supports for Special Education
Instruction, rather than setting, is the key to success and decisions related to the placement of students are best made on an individual basis in a manner that maximizes their opportunity to participate fully in the experience of schooling
Supports for Special Education
We provide support through…
Consultation Student Programming Program Renewal Best practice/Current
Research CBE Regulations and Learner Expectations Alberta Education Standards for Special
Education Collaborative Health Services/Student
Health Partnership
Supports for Special Education
Assessment Students Programs Services
Supports for Special Education
Professional Development School Staff System Personnel External Agencies and
Organizations