Support Programs for Additional Needs
ENROLMENT OF A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN THE DIOCESE OF ARMIDALE
It is important that the special needs of students, especially those relating to any disability, are identified at the time of application for enrolment or earlier, so that the school's capability to provide for such needs can be determined
PROVISION FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The major approach of Holy Trinity School to the education of students with special needs is one of inclusion into the regular classroom provided that this is possible and practicable and in the best interests of the student. For some students, their best interests will be met in special educational settings outside the regular classroom.
When determining whether or not a school should be required to make reasonable accommodation or services available to a person with a disability, a decision will be made consistent with Anti-Discrimination Legislation - Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
The objectives of this approach are to:
• implement programs which focus on the earliest possible intervention and on preventing learning failure
• provide for comprehensive assessment of student needs which lead to the development, implementation and evaluation of appropriate education programs
• ensure the provision of relevant curricula and implementation of individual education programs (I.E.P.) to meet the assessed needs of students, in the least restrictive age-appropriate educational environment
• regular monitoring of educational programs and the provision of resources to ensure the achievement of maximum educational outcomes
• ensure the successful transition of students with special teaching and learning needs from pre-school to primary and primary to secondary settings
• work with other agencies and departments providing post-school programs to facilitate successful transition of older students into a range of employment, training, living and recreational options in the community
• apply strategies to maximise students' social, interpersonal and communication skills
• develop, assess, trial and implement new and innovative programs and resources on the basis of sound research and provide new and appropriate technologies to ensure equity in the provision of
educational programs and resources.
Staffing to implement Additional programs include as of 2005.
• Full time teacher K-10 Additional Needs.
• Teacher aide time to support funded Additional Needs Students.
• Aboriginal Education Assistant.