Policy 2.2
Each school board is responsible for establishing a process of identification,
assessment, program planning and evaluation for students with special needs.
2.2 Guidelines
The school board is responsible for the implementation of this process;
therefore, each procedural step should be documented in the school board’s
special education policy manual. School boards are encouraged to refer to the
appropriate sections of the Department of Education and Culture’s Special
Education Policy Manual.
2.2 Sample Procedure
On the following pages is a sample outline, in graphic and written form, of
how a program planning process might be implemented. It is not intended as
a prescribed approach, but rather as an illustration.
Identification, Assessment and Program Planning Process
Stage 1—Screening and Identification
This stage may be initiated by a variety of people. Some children and
students may come to school with a myriad of assessments and programming
information from other agencies or from another school. Some students may
have been in school for a number of years and their special needs may be
identified at a later stage by the classroom teacher who regularly observes
students in the learning situation. The planning process can be initiated at
any time based on student need.
If a student has been identified as needing an individual program plan before
entry to school, the team may wish to start the process at step 3, “Referral to
Program Planning Team,” to avoid delay.
Parents are expected to be involved at the beginning of the process.
Classroom teachers, parents, students and outside agency personnel and
resource teachers are all possible initiators at this stage. The principal should
be aware of any communication concerning students at this stage.
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TRANSITION PLANNING FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
THE EARLY YEARS THROUGH TO ADULT LIFE