1. WELCOME to the Chinooks Edge Educational Assistant PD conference!

2. THANK YOU!! Innisfail High School Presenters Student Services Team
And…ALL of you for coming and being active participants today!

3. Purpose of Today?
Appreciate how important your role is in accomplishing our ‘new’ Mission and Vision in CESD and the Quality Learning Environment (QLE)
Learn about ‘Action on Inclusion’ – and potential impact on the role of an EA
Validate the excellent work you are doing with students
Network with others – renew friendships and make new friendships
Enhance your skills and knowledge
Learn new strategies and techniques
Have some FUN! 

4. It is important to stay ‘FOCUSED’…and keep our ‘EYES’ on the ‘TARGET’…

5. Mission & Vision Statements
Motto confirmed - Where Students Come First
Mission - Chinook’s Edge School Division will engage every student in meaningful learning by challenging, encouraging and believing in them.
Vision - Chinook’s Edge School Division will be universally recognized as a collaborative learning community where learning is personalized for all students to achieve success as compassionate and innovative global citizens.

6. Quality Learning Environment (QLE)

7. A Made in Chinook’s Edge Model with feedback from:
Building the QLE
A Made in Chinook’s Edge Model with feedback from:
AISI Leaders,
Special Education Liaisons,
ADCOS,
Teachers Matter Committee,
School Staffs,
Public Consultation – April/May

8. Understanding the QLE
It is a reflective tool that helps education staff plan for their own growth as individuals (personalize) {in teams, with admin support}
It provides us all with a common language
It validates the great teaching we already have
It provides a shared understanding of the core principles around quality instruction in Chinook’s Edge

9. Understanding the QLE It aligns our current work with new initiatives
It supports the work of our instructional leaders
It brings the Mission and Vision to life
It supports a long term strategy in Chinook’s Edge where we strive for continuous improvement

10. THE ‘QLE’ and Role of EA’s
Become involved in the implementation and enhancement of ‘Quality Learning Environments’ in your school
You may want to specifically focus on:
Culture of Inclusion
Instructional Strategies
Literacy and Numeracy
Personalization
Collaborative Learning Communities
Student Engagement
Relationships
Gathering Data for Research

11. ACTION ON INCLUSION “PROVINCIAL CONTEXT”
This video was shown at the Alberta Education – Provincial – “Action on Inclusion” Meeting on Friday, Jan 13th.
Diversity in Alberta Schools: A Journey to Inclusion – YouTube

12. ACTION ON INCLUSION

13. Implications of ‘Action on Inclusion’
Where have we been (CESD Context)?
2010 – new Superintendent
staff survey/visits and work of ‘Guiding Coalition’
These efforts resulted in a new Mission and Vision for CESD
Implications for Future:
New “Mission and Vision” drive us to ensure ALL students achieve success and EVERY student is engaged in high “Quality Learning Environments”
Development of “Quality Learning Environment”(QLE) Framework
Development of ‘Continuum of Supports for Every Learner’
GOOD NEWS: Excellent ‘Alignment’ between “Action on Inclusion” and “Future Directions” in CESD.

14. The most appropriate label is usually the one people’s parents have given them

15. Implications of ‘Action on Inclusion’

16. ACTION ON INCLUSION IMPLICATIONS for THE ‘EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT’
MOVING FROM:
MOVING TO:
EA assigned to one specific student – promoting dependence
EA assigned to numerous students (except in exceptional circumstances where one on one support is needed) – promoting independence
Responsibility of program may be taken on by the EA
Teacher takes responsibility of program and assists / guides EA
Students with special needs identified with a special education code and program is developed with a focus on deficits
All students are supported in the classroom with the program focusing on the student’s strengths and abilities – EA promotes independence
Education program is typically a ‘pull out’ situation or in a ‘specialized setting’ away from the classroom
Supports are provided for ALL students in classrooms - in exceptional circumstances EA or specialist takes student out of classroom to teach direct skills
Specialized services (OT, PT, SLP, Psych) provided to students outside of classroom – EA’s working in isolation with students
Specialized services (OT, PT, SLP, Psych) support students in the classroom learning environment – EA’s working on a team to support students

17. Anatomy of an effective ‘EA’

18. CLOSING COMMENTS COMMUNICATE…COMMUNICATE…COMMUNICATE
Creative Problem Solving
Explore the problem
Generate ideas
Prepare for Action
Build a Network of Support
Grade level group
Other EA’s or Support staff
Take CARE of YOURSELF first – and OTHERS will benefit!
Know that YOU Make a DIFFERENCE!
“Student Support Credo”

19. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!!