Supporting Students with Additional Needs
The Ministry of Education provides resources for teachers and parents/guardians to help them meet student learning needs. Students with additional needs are supported in inclusive settings by a collaborative team that includes their parents/guardians, education professionals and other individuals who can help students reach their goals.
Saskatchewan follows the principles of a needs-based approach that focuses on the strengths, interests and needs of each student to foster their learning, success and independence. Parents/guardians can provide valuable information and insights to support their child's learning and development and are important members of the student's support team.
Depending on the complexity of the student's needs, supports may be provided at different levels. Teachers can meet the needs of most students using the Adaptive Dimension. Adaptations can be made to the learning environment, instruction, resources and assessment to make learning meaningful and support student achievement.
Some students may have additional needs that require small group support. A small number of students may also require intensive, individualized support to meet their needs.
At the high school level, students have access to a variety of courses and programs. Within regular education programs, a student may take a combination of regular and modified courses to support their academic success. In addition to regular programs, Saskatchewan high schools may offer Alternative Education programs and/or Functional Integrated Programs.
Alternative Education programs are intended for students with conceptual limitations that markedly limit functioning all or substantially all of the time and who are unable to achieve regular course outcomes, even with appropriate adaptations and supports.
Functional Integrated Programs are intended for students with significant intellectual and/or multiple disabilities who require highly individualized programming to meet their needs.
Enrolment in modified courses, Alternative Education and Functional Integrated Programs has an impact on a student's post-secondary opportunities. Parents/guardians are encouraged to work with the school team to determine which course and programming options would best meet the needs of their child.
More information on supporting students with additional needs is provided in the resources listed below:
Resources
- Actualizing a Needs-Based Model focuses on meeting student needs and emphasizes the importance of collaborative school teams working together to identify and provide supports to foster student learning, success and independence in inclusive settings.
- The Adaptive Dimension for Saskatchewan K-12 Students assists educators in making decisions to support the achievement of all students within the context of Saskatchewan's curricula.
- Inclusive Education promotes an understanding of what is meant by inclusion, inclusionary philosophical beliefs, and inclusive practices.
- Inclusion and Intervention Plan: Guidelines for Parents and Guardians provides information and suggestions for parents and guardians of students with an Inclusion and Intervention Plan.
- Locally Modified Courses Policy and Procedures assists school division personnel in the development and implementation of Locally Modified Courses of Study.
- Policy, Guidelines and Procedures for Alternative Education Programs, Alternative Grade 10, 11 and 12 provides information to guide programming for students with conceptual limitations that markedly limit functioning all or substantially all of the time and who are unable to achieve regular course outcomes, even with appropriate adaptations and supports.
- Policy, Guidelines and Procedures for Functional Integrated Programs – Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 provides information to guide programming for students with significant intellectual and/or multiple disabilities who require highly individualized programming to meet their needs.
- Supporting All Learners is an online repository that provides collaborative team members, including parents/guardians, school staff and supporting professionals, quick access to information, ministry documents and resources for supporting students using a needs-based approach.
1. Inclusion and Intervention Plans
Students whose needs require a significant level of support may benefit from an Inclusion and Intervention Plan (IIP). Parents/guardians are encouraged to work with their school division team in order to ensure their children have the tools they need to succeed.
An IIP is a flexible planning document that supports the learning needs of a student.
The IIP:
- is developed by a collaborative team;
- is adjusted for each child; and
- describes the supports and strategies needed to optimize learning in an inclusive setting.
Parents and guardians are members of the support team and are encouraged to be involved in developing and reviewing the IIP for their child. Team members help the student understand and participate in the IIP process.
The IIP includes:
- student identification and background information;
- a summary of the student's strengths, interests, learning styles and learning needs;
- assessment information that identifies the student's strengths and needs;
- areas of focused development such as independence, communication, motor skills or academic achievement;
- measurable outcomes for the prioritized areas of development;
- strategies and resources to help the student successfully achieve his or her outcomes;
- team members who will implement strategies, supports, and interventions in the IIP;
- plans for assessment and a review of progress; and
- plans for both short- and long-term transitions.
2. Early School Entrance
Boards of education may provide programming for children identified with intensive needs who are three or four years of age.
Early School Entrance programming may involve:
- access to appropriate school division programs;
- participation in a community-based preschool, play school or child care program; or
- a blend of supports that meet the child's needs.
Families wishing to learn more about Early School Entrance programming for their child should contact their local school division.