HomeMy WebLinkAbout11bii Education App C Spec Ed Policy Ad Hoc 26 Oct 2011 Report 10
Appendix C
REPORT NO. 10, SPECIAL EDUCATION POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE
TO: The Education Committee and DATE: 26 October 2011
Special Education Advisory Committee
A meeting of the Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee was held commencing at 5:00
p.m. in the Tr
in the chair and the following also in attendance:
TRUSTEE MEMBERS: Rob Campbell
Pam FitzGerald
Jennifer McKenzie
SEAC REPRESENTATIVES: Beth Doubt, Ottawa-Carleton Assembly of School Councils
Rosanna DiMito, Association for Bright Children of Ontario
STAFF: Dawn Paxton, Superintendent of Learning Support Services
Joanie Asch, Board/Committee Coordinator
1. Call to Order
Trustee Funiciello called the meeting to order at 5:18 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Beth Doubt,
THAT the agenda be approved.
- Carried
3. Report 9, Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee
Moved by Trustee Campbell,
THAT Report 9, Special Education Policy Ad Hoc Committee, dated 12 October
2011 be received.
- Carried
4. Outcome from Focus Group Sessions 19 October 2011
The Chair asked the members for their thoughts on the feedback provided at the focus group
sessions. There was general agreement that the turnout did not meet expectations, despite the number of
invitations and reminders sent out. The feedback received by email was greater than expectations. It was
noted that there was no representation from some specific groups at the focus group sessions, such as
community partners. However, it was noted that this is a policy for all exceptionalities.
Trustee Campbell stated that he was developing a database on the feedback. He suggested that
to circulate his analysis once
complete.
Special Education Policy - 1 - 26 October 2011
Ad Hoc Committee
The members discussed whether a separate policy for gifted students was needed. It was noted
that numerous gifted students have a second exceptionality, which would ultimately be covered in the
general policy. It was also noted that the feedback from an Aboriginal parent reflected a different
perspective, and should be captured in order to address that perspective. Trustee McKenzie noted that
Aboriginal parents may need assistance in navigating the educational system, and could benefit from
access to advocacy.
Ms. DiMito advised that the Association for Bright Children has internally debated the merits of
having a separate policy for gifted children, but no consensus has been reached. The overall policy is
relevant for the majority of special education students.
It was noted that concerns had been expressed about losing access to the IPRC process. It was
also noted that there are many misunderstandings about special education.
It was agreed to remove the current posting on the website and upload a new message that thanks
contributors for their feedback, notes that the consultation process has closed, and that recommendations
and updates will be posted once available.
A discussion ensued regarding the number of hard, bound copies required. It was agreed to
request two hard copies (which will be kept in the trustee lounge, available for sign-out) and a soft copy
that can be shared.
A further discussion took place regarding a small number of emails that had not yet been posted
to the website as they contained personal or private information or inflammatory statements. While
administrative staff had reviewed these emails and proposed comments for blacking out, it was agreed
that Trustee Campbell would review them again, and provide his feedback on the information to be
stricken to Superintendent Paxton. All members voiced their appreciation of the work done by Lorraine
Smith-Champagne, administrative assistant to Superintendent Paxton, who worked so diligently on this
project.
Superintendent Paxton expressed concern with the workload issues that Learning Support staff
are experiencing from the Ad Hoc Committee requests.
5. Next Steps
on the feedback from the focus
group sessions will be provided on November 14. In advance to that, it was agreed to discuss topics from
the feedback received which could be resolved fairly easily.
next steps would be to start prioritizing the work based on the feedback.
Following a round table discussion, the possible topics for the next meeting were noted as:
Interim recommendations on special education location consultations
Definition add to what is in policy, greater clarity, consistency
IEPs
Accessibility / advocacy for marginalized groups
Early identification
Testing
o
IPRC
o
Parental involvement (adversarial environment)
Location / stability of program (itemize programs and services)
Special Education Policy - 2 - 26 October 2011
Ad Hoc Committee
Communication
Accountability mechanism in the policy
nd
It was agreed to schedule the next meeting on November 2 at 5:30 p.m.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Bronwyn Funiciello
Chair
Special Education Policy Ad Hoc
Committee
Special Education Policy - 3 - 26 October 2011
Ad Hoc Committee