It is a team approach ~ on behalf of Stephen, I take this opportunity to thank you for your work during the first month of school. Although our regular monthly meetings are postponed at this time, communication is still important, hence ~ the return of the my blog ~ 'The Principal of the Matter, a means of communication I kept while a school principal. As our team ~ your influence, your guidance, your consultation and resource impact students with special education needs in a profound way. This is our work. This is our purpose. For this, we sincerely thank you.
Professional Development - NM 1
In the last two weeks, Stephen and I have enjoyed visiting schools with our colleagues from the Program and Innovation Department to speak to the various training opportunities and professional development options for school staff members as outlined in SCDSB Numbered Memo # 1. Although not all collaborative inquiries and training opportunities can be 'actioned' at this time, speaking to school administrators about such opportunities has been refreshing. In terms of our 'presence' within the memo, there are many offerings that reflect our focused, intentional and specific work related to supporting students with special education needs.
EA Allocation Process
This week, our Central and Area teams have been reviewing school created EA allocation forms. Educational Assistants are a valuable human resource in our system. EAs provide support specific to the physical and safety needs of students. By means of review, our team can carefully consider areas of need that will inform the reallocation process. We will then work with Human Resource services staff to make noted changes in EA allocation to schools. It is challenging and demanding work. Decision making regarding EA allocation is a process and not an event. We anticipate that we will conduct this process at various points in the school year. Decisions about allocation are based on evidence of need.
Performance Appraisal Process
Stephen and I will be in touch with those of you involved in the performance appraisal process this year.
Special Education Advisory Committee
Monday at SEAC, Chris Samis will discuss with committee members, the findings of the IEP review conducted last year. Stephen and I will make a presentation about fostering independence ~ an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Educational Assistant in our system and how an EA can help students reach their potential
Child and Youth Workers - Service Delivery Model
The model has changed this year. Each CYW in our system works either within a family of schools or in our Social Skills county class. Last year, CYWs were trained in CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) and have received additional training and resources specific to evidence based programs and best practice. Mental health and well being is the foundation on which student achievement can be built. We are pleased in the direction of the CYW service delivery model. As an itinerant member of our multidisciplinary teams, CYWs and Social Workers are scheduled in both elementary and secondary schools each week to support individual student needs, facilitate groups and provide consultation and resource to schools specific to creating and maintaining safe, supportive and positive school climates.
Transition Plan Page (IEP)
Thank you Tina Holroyd and our team members who have provided related feedback in the development of a one page flyer to be sent home with IEPs this
year to explain the transition plan page process.
Have a great day!
Michael Giffen and Stephen McClelland, Principals of Special Education, SCDSB
