Students with Special Needs
Special needs students compose about 30% of the Eastern Townships School Board's enrollment. They consist of those with physical handicaps, intellectual handicaps, social maladjustments and learning disabilities. They can be visible or invisible, but all deserve to get the best education possible so that they can function in our society to the best of their abilities.
The ETSB provides special needs services in all of our schools. Special needs services are provided by a team of professionals guided by the Complementary Educational Services Department.
Special Education Mission Statement
The Special Education mission of the Eastern Townships School Board is to help all students be their best by ensuring a compassionate, quality learning environment that respects the uniqueness of each student through an individualized inclusive learning service.
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)
The SEAC is a board level committee composed of parents of students with special needs, professionals, support staff, teachers and administrators.
Services
- Services designed to promote student participation in school life
- Services designed to educate students about their rights and responsibilities
- Services in spiritual care and guidance and community involvement
- Support services for the use of the documentary resources of the school library
Academic and career counseling
Psychological services
Psychoeducational services
Health and social services
Special education services
Remedial education services
Speech therapy services
Evaluation and Referral Process
To determine if a student has special education needs, there is an evaluation and referral process.
Procedures for Evaluating Special Needs of Students
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is put into place for students who are deemed "at-risk" . This tool is used to identify the student's strengths and needs, determine annual goals, and monitor the student's progress.
Identification of a Student with Special Needs
A student with special needs will be identified according to the MEQ definitions. For a student to be identified as special needs, there must be an active IEP in place.
Resource teachers and qualified professionals may assist the school administrator to evaluate the needs of the student and determine the correct identification, and may assist in the development of the IEP. IEPs for all special needs students are verified by the school board annually.
The Role and Responsibilities of Parents
Parents should inform the school of any concerns they have regarding their child, or of any special needs that could affect their child's progress in school.
If professional evaluations or interventions are conducted by external resources, parents should inform the school administration. This will allow the coordination of services offered to the student.