The development of each student’s abilities and potential is a shared responsibility. It is the role of Special Education Department staff to work with teachers, students, school personnel, parents and community agencies to provide options for school and for life success. Program expectations are flexible and based upon an individual’s abilities and needs. This collaborative model provides services which are delivered primarily within the regular classroom through the classroom teachers and supported by the Special Education Resource staff. Appropriate intervention, time on task and feedback are key. However, the student becomes responsible for working with specific classroom teachers for precise accommodations and responsibilities in each class. This self-advocacy program assists the student in developing an understanding of their exceptionality and stresses that they are the key component in any plan of action. This also empowers the student to seek assistance and strategies necessary for them to be successful. The Special Education Department offers a variety of services to assist students in getting the maximum benefit from their secondary school experience and making the transition to post secondary life.
The Locally Developed Compulsory Credit (LDCC)/Workplace Program
This program is designed for students whose Individual Education Plan indicates the student is working up to four years behind grade level from the Ontario Curriculum in English, science and/or mathematics.In Grade 9 and 10, students in the LDCC program will take special courses for credit in English, science, and mathematics. They are encouraged to take a learning strategies course for credit that will assist the students to be successful in their Grade 9 and 10 programs. Upon successful completion of the Grade 9 and 10 LDCC program, student will be prepared to study workplace preparation courses in Grades11 and 12. Students must successfully complete the Grade 10 literacy requirement to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.Students who experience difficulty in meeting this program may choose to focus on meeting the Certificate with the understanding that they may continue to work towards a diploma at a later date.
Moving from the Locally Developed Program to Applied Courses
For a select number of students who successfully complete the Grade 9 LDCC program, the secondary school may recommend that the students attempt the Grade 9 applied program in the core subjects of English, science and mathematics.Students who successfully complete courses from the LDCC program in Grade 9 and the Grade 9 applied level in the same discipline (i.e. English, science and/or mathematics) may receive a compulsory credit for each course.Having successfully completed Grade 9 applied courses; students may also opt to continue into Grade 10 applied courses. This will allow them to choose Grade 11 and 12 workplace preparation or college preparation courses.
Community Living and Job Skills
The students in this program will be able to earn a Certificate of Accomplishment. The program has been created for students who require intensive teacher and educational assistant support. It is designed to continue development in a combination of academic, social and life skills. This is a non-credit, alternative program that is personalized to meet individual needs. This program encourages values, support and content consistent with our mission of building a Catholic community.
Alternative Courses
Alternative courses are non-credit courses. The course expectations in an alternative course are individualized for the student and generally focus on preparing the student for daily living. School boards must use the “K” course codes and titles found in the Ministry’s Common Course Code to identify alternative courses.
Learning Strategies
These credited courses introduce students to learning theories and strategies to help them increase their personal management skills both in school and in other contexts. These courses will also help the students to identify their preferred way of learning and use this knowledge to increase their confidence, motivation and ability to learn. Students learn to apply theses study skills by completing their homework and assignments for their other courses. Identified students can earn up to four (4) learning strategies credits during their high school career.
PACT: (Personal Academic Contact Time)
The “drop in” program provides individual help to edit assignments, opportunities for students to complete work missed because of extended absence and/or to provide a quiet work environment with academic support. Students who are struggling with course content may request to come to PACT room for individual academic help. If students need accommodations during tests or examinations, they may write them in this room.
Gifted
Through self-advocacy, gifted students are encouraged not only to take advantage of enhancement opportunities within their classroom, but also assume leadership roles within the school community.
Support Programs
Support programs include alternative learning opportunities, night school, the Independent Learning Centre, e-learning, external music credits, and any Ministry of Education recognized course in an extra-curricular setting.
