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

How CBE supports Special Education Students School board requirements, in serving students with special needs, include services in the following four areas: Access o 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.Standards for Special Education (June 2004 )  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