Stage 2—Exploration of Instructional Strategies
After a student has been identified as requiring additional planning to meet
his/her needs, the classroom teacher uses available material and human
resources to explore a variety of strategies in the learning process. In all
schools there is a wealth of experience to draw upon. In exploring alternative
methods of working with students, teachers may also wish to consult
supervisors, school psychologists or other available personnel. The key at this
stage is to be as creative as possible in determining a wide variety of
behavioural and/or curriculum strategies to meet student needs while
ensuring accurate record keeping in terms of the outcome of utilizing these
approaches. Determining why a method doesn’t produce the desired
collaboration among professionals and parents are essential at this stage.
The identification, assessment and program planning process may not go
beyond this stage for many students as their needs may be met through
ongoing evaluation and monitoring in the classroom. (Policy 2.4)
Stage 3—Referral to Program Planning Team
If the classroom teacher requires further support to meet the needs of a
student, he/she may wish to refer to the program planning team.
The format of the referral depends on school and district/regional
procedures. In some cases the initiator of the referral may be required to have
certain types of information available for the principal in order to make an
informed decision whether or not to select team members and set a date for
the program planning team meeting. Information required may include
anecdotal information, observation records, informal assessment, interviews
with the student and involved agencies, school records or any other
information available that may be of help in program planning. Care should
be taken not to use outdated or irrelevant assessment data.
Stage 4—Program Planning Team Meeting
The program planning team must ensure that the problem or difficulty
facing the student and/or teachers and parents is clarified before proceeding
with planning. The reason for referral does not always match the team’s
clarification of the problem and careful problem solving at this stage can
prevent unnecessary or inappropriate steps being taken.
TRANSITION PLANNING FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
THE EARLY YEARS THROUGH TO ADULT LIFE
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