Effective School Learning Support Teams Supporting students with additional educational needs Beverley Milson, Leader, Learning Assistance

Adjust current STLAs and funding allocations to regions for 3 year period based on updated BST, ELLA and SNAP data using methodology from the previous triennium ( ) In August 2006 regions conduct Primary LAP School Survey to collect additional needs based information In September 2006 based on existing processes representative regional primary and secondary committees allocate APLAs, Designated STLAs, STLAs and LAP funds to specific schools for Maintain existing support classes (reading), (language) and Early School Support Program provisions as discrete LAP services Develop plans to extend professional learning and capacity building of staff Provide focused professional learning for school learning support teams Proposal for Learning Assistance Program : Before 2007

AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORTwww.audit.nsw.gov.au Learning support teams play an important role in supporting students with disabilities. Learning support teams can also identify any additional learning needs of staff. Learning support teams may not have the necessary skills to assess student needs We recommend the Department establish a consistent approach to the operation and professional development of learning support teams.

School Learning Support Teams School learning support teams plan and implement whole school programs. School learning support teams decide how support is organised. The learning support team drives this whole school. Whole school programs were able to produce outcomes for all students and showed significant value adding to state-wide assessments. Management and operation of school learning support teams was highlighted as an area of need.

DET Policy Website 1.5 The school learning support team plays a key role in ensuring that the specific learning needs of students experiencing difficulties in learning are met. (Policy Statement; Assisting students with learning difficulties (2006)) The school learning support team assists teachers to plan class programs to meet the specific learning needs of all students, including those experiencing difficulties in learning. The learning support team coordinates the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of learning support plans. (The Learning Assistance Program webpage) School learning support teams will plan for use of STLAs and funding to meet the needs of students experiencing difficulties in learning, including students with learning difficulties, mild intellectual disabilities and language disorders. Schools will be required to include learning outcomes for these students and use of STLAs and LAP funding in their school management plans. (Memoranda to principals 2006)

Role of Learning Support Team

Whole school planning

Composition of Learning Support Team: Whole School Planning Advisors: Parent representative/s Consultants/APLAs Specialist teacher/s TAS, AEA, SASS Composition may alter depending on their focus Core composition: Principal/Executive School counsellor Head teacher/Year advisor Support teacher/s e.g. STLA, RR Class teacher/s

Learning Support Team: Individual Student Planning Learning support plans

Who can we call on? School learning support teams: Primary schools Secondary schools Regional teams: Student Services Officers Disability Programs Consultants Assistant Principals Learning Assistance Student Welfare Consultants Literacy/Numeracy Consultants Quality Teaching Consultants

What is already available in schools? To assist school literacy or learning support teams to implement a whole school approach to improving student outcomes Overview of key elements and outcomes Planning matrix to identify priorities and levels of implementation Suggested strategies for improving school performance

What is already available in Regions?Learning Support Teams Adapted by Northern Sydney Region from a support document Lyn Howie, APLA, Lismore, North Coast Region developed by Lyn Howie, APLA, Lismore, North Coast Region Learning Support Team Matrix 4 Focus Areas: Outcomes and Levels Student support & development Teaching & learning School organisation & Resource management Community Participation

What is available on the Internet? Search on internet: Learning support teams The Three Rs of Diversity: Recognise, Respect and Respond: Developing your model: 6-8 Stages depending on school size (H.O.) –Initial identification –Class-based assessment –Collaboration with teaching team –Collaboration with learning support team –School based assessment and support –Collaboration with parents, caregivers, family –Specialised assessment –Ongoing monitoring, review and evaluation

What is available on the Internet? Education and Training Department websites (H.O. links) Queensland Government: -Resources page for learning support teams -Individual Education Plans –Stages of the process Western Australian Department of Education and Training: - Website for learning support resources: The Centre for Inclusive Schooling: Learning Support Coordinators (H.O.) Tasmania: -Inclusion of students with disabilities in regular schools policy Victoria: -Program for students with disabilities and language support handbook

What is available through DET Online Learning? SUPPORTING LEARNING SUPPORT TEAMS THROUGH LARK ONLINE Kerry Long, Manager, School based assessment and reporting