Students do not have to be identified as exceptional to receive special education support. Classroom teachers, special education teachers and school administration work with parents as a team to provide special education resources and support to students who may need it. Student strengths and needs are outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
As teens transition to high school, their elementary school will share information with the new school to ensure supports are in place.
View the SCDSB's Special Education Information & Resources.
Support in high school
There are various levels of special education support in high school. Students may receive support from their classroom teacher or an educational assistant in the classroom. Depending on the needs outlined in the IEP, students will receive accommodations as part of their courses. High schools also offer a range of locally developed courses designed to meet the learning needs of students. Depending on their needs, students may be part of a specialized program or class.
Like in elementary school, parents are involved in the planning for their teen's learning and support in high school. SEA equipment provided to students in elementary school will be transferred to their high school.
Special education placements in high school
- Students who are identified as gifted have the option of continuing in the Gifted Program in high school.
- A student might spend a portion of their day in a Learning Centre, which is a specialized class for small groups of students. In the Learning Centre, students receive intensive literacy and numeracy support from a special education teacher.
- In some cases, students will be part of the Life Skills class, which provides intensive programming and support in basic literacy and numeracy, technology integration, communication, self help, social skills and vocational training.
- Some students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will be part of the Secondary ASD program, which is offered at certain locations in the county. This program is designed for students with significant needs in the areas of communication, self-regulation, social skills, self-help, community awareness and academics.
Students may work towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or a Certificate of Accomplishment.
Resource Room
A student may access the Resource Room for support. Students may use the Resource Room for the following reasons:
There may be times when it is more appropriate for students to remain in their classes such as group assignments or a lesson being taught and arrangements can be made to access Resource at a different time. For IEP students who wish to write an exam in Resource, a Resource Centre Exam Request Form needs to be completed by the student and classroom teacher together prior to the scheduled exam. If you have any questions about accessing the Resource Room please contact your child's assigned SERT.
Life Skills / Learning Centre
The Life Skills & Learning Centre classes are non-credit bearing programs that focus on literacy, numeracy, social, employability and personal skills. The programs are customized to suit the needs of each student. Students are integrated into other courses within the school and/or participate in cooperative education work placements.
Breakfast Club
Resource runs the Breakfast Club where students can get healthy snacks and lunches as part of the Eat Well to Excel program. The times for the breakfast club are: