Special Education Services

The Role of the Special Education Department

The Special Education Department offers academic support plus a variety of learning experiences for students who have been identified as exceptional. The teacher(s) in this department provide resource help and liaison with subject teachers and counselling services to ensure that these students have the opportunity to reach their potential. Recommended interventions, accommodations and/or modifications for every identified student are communicated to all interested parties through the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Visit our Special Education Department for more information.

Referrals and Identification

Students who may have special needs are referred to the Special Education Department. These referrals may be made by feeder school principals, parents, teachers or the student themselves. Formal and informal assessments are carried out to determine students’ needs for special programs. Parental input and approval are both encouraged and essential at all points in the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process to ensure that the best interests of the student are met.

Specific Programs and Services

Special programs and services are provided for students who have been identified as advanced learners (gifted), students with language/learning difficulties, those with behavioural/social problems, and those with physical exceptionalities.

Services include:

• Providing direct instruction;
• Teaching of compensatory strategies using specialized teaching techniques and materials;
• Developing Individual Education Plans (IEP);
• Assisting the classroom teacher in developing accommodations and strategies;
• Acting as an advocate to ensure that classroom teachers understand the nature of the learning difficulties;
• Communicating with students and parents regarding the special needs of the student;
• Advising on appropriate course selections and education/career goals; and
• Teaching self-advocacy.

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is responsible for examining, reviewing and making recommendations regarding the provision of Special Education programs and services. Visit the RCDSB Special Education page for more information about SEAC.

Board Special Education Parent Guide

Copies of the booklet, Understanding the IPRC Process: A Parent’s Guide, and informational brochures on SEAC, IPRC, IEP, transition planning, special education resource teachers, development disability, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, mild intellectual disability, behaviour, gifted) are available through the school’s Special Education Department and on the RCDSB Special Education page.