The Special Education Department offers several programs for exceptional students: Learning Strategies courses, Monitoring, In-Class Resourcing, Resource Centre, Basic Level Integration, and School-to-Work Transition. Access to these programs is determined by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC). The goal of this department is to assist and encourage each student to become an independent learner with a positive self image. On-going consultation and communication is maintained with the student, the classroom teacher, parents and support personnel.
Learning Strategies
Our courses assist students in building the skills necessary to cope effectively with the regular curriculum. Specific strategies offered to groups or individual students are determined by individual needs and may include: organization, time management, note-making, problem solving, study skills, test taking, reading, writing, social skills and self-advocacy. The aim of the program is to have students apply these skills independently in their regular classes.
Each level provides the the following learning opportunities and has a specific grade level focus:
- GLE101 Focus: Transitioning to High School
- GLE201 Focus: Preparing for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
- GLE301 Focus: The World of Work and Pathways
- GLE401 Focus: Preparing for Post-Secondary Destination (including a field trip to a post-secondary office of disability services)
Special Education Department
Resource Support
This support program is not offered as a course for credit, but is designed for students who require direct support by a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). Students will have regular contact with their SERT. Students will have access to the Resource Room as well as in-class resourcing. Usually students who are taking a Learning Strategies course in one semester will receive monitor support in the alternate semester.
Indirect Service
This support program is not offered as a course for credit, but is designed for students who require support with core classes. The student makes appointments to see a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) as required.
Community Class
This program is designed for students who require the extra support of a small class with one special education teacher and a teaching assistant. Students begin this program in their first year of high school and may be gradually integrated into a full rotary timetable at the appropriate level. The maximum class size is 16.
Students wishing to enroll in any of these special programs should contact the Special Education Department Head to discuss the program. All students who are enrolled in this program must be approved through Regional Special Education.
Our Unique Programs Include
- Support for students with diversified learning needs
- Grade 9-12 Learning Strategies courses
- DHH Program (Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Program
- 2 Intensive Support classes
- A vibrant resource center dedicated to supporting and meeting the needs of individual learners
- Dedicated and compassionate special education teachers and support staff
What We Offer Students
- Our courses are relevant, practical, flexible and offer a student-centered curriculum
- Equitable and caring environments which foster inclusivity and student voice
- Preparation for the OSSLT in the Grade 10 Learning Strategies class
- Preparation for a variety of post-secondary pathways: apprenticeships, world of work, college, university & other
- Annual trips to the Ontario College Information Fair and a college/university campus in the Grade 12 Learning Strategies class
- Supportive community partners
For more information or to book an individual tour of our Special Education Department please contact andrew.maassarany@yrdsb.ca.