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In Alberta, educating students with special education needs in inclusive settings is the first placement option to be considered by school boards in consultation with parents and, when appropriate, students. Inclusion, by definition, refers not merely to setting but to specially designed instruction and support for students with special education needs in regular classrooms and neighbourhood schools. (Standards for Special Education, Alberta Learning June, 2004) In Battle River School Division we fully support inclusive education. We also provide for student supports such as:
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Special
Education refers to the education of students with mild, moderate,
or severe disabilities and 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. 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.
The Special Education Team assists teachers, students, parents and administration with any concerns about students. The following are some of our duties and responsibilities:
Assessment
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Organize and facilitate
psychological and achievement assessment - Make program recommendations
Consultation and Program Planning
- Facilitate the development of behavior management programs.
- Facilitate the development of IPPs
- Discuss modified programs and teaching strategies with teachers. Offer recommendations and provide support in program planning for students who are encountering academic and/or emotional difficulties
- Consult with administrators, teachers, teaching assistants and parents regarding appropriate special education programs for students
- Provide information regarding special needs
- Facilitate student entry into district special education programs (i.e. Opportunity Rooms)
Coordination and Facilitation of Program Unit Funding
- Coordinate and consult for early entry program
- Develop budgets for early entry programs/Administration of PUF programs
- Monitor PUF Programs
Provision of Resources
- Recommend materials and resources for special education students
- Order materials and resources for Special Education
- In-service teachers, teacher assistants, and parents regarding special education issues
Administration
- Coordinate Special Education Programs in the region
- Allocate special education teacher time to schools
- Assign hours for special education teacher assistants to schools
- Assist schools with coding of special needs students for Alberta Learning
- Work with Division Office administration to budget for and provide funds for Special Education services
Administration and Organization of Student Health Initiative (East Central SHIP)
- Supervision of Family-School Liaison Workers
- Working with representatives from Education, Mental Health, Health, and Family and Children’s Services to provide Student Health Initiative Services
Professional Development
- Organize and/or present professional development activities for special education
Crisis Intervention
- Intervene in crises and manage crises (i.e. assist in dealing with violence, tragedies, suicide threats, or other catastrophic situations)
Interagency Liaison
- Liaison with other agencies (e.g. Mental Health, CFSA) to provide appropriate services to students
 P.U.F. |
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The Family School Liaison Program |
| Special
Needs Opportunity Window This site has lesson plans, resources and many excellent links for special needs. |
