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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17 Education Report 5 Partial, 19 Jun 2000nI- OTTAWA-CARLETON DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD PARTIAL REPORT NO. 5, EDUCATION COMMITTEE TO: The Board DATE: 19 June 2000 A meeting of the Education Committee was held this evening in the Trustees' Committee Room, 133 Greenbank Road, Nepean, commencing at 7:15 p.m. with Trustee Patty Anne Hill in the Chair, and the following in attendance: MEMBERS: Trustees Albert Chambers and Lynn Scott OTHER TRUSTEES: Trustees Lynn Graham and Jim Libbey NON - VOTING REPRESENTATIVES: Myrna Laurenceson, SEAC; Tony Pearson, OSSTF; Betty Tait, OCASC. STAFF: Superintendent of Program, Quality Assurance & Staff Development, Dan Mason; Social Worker, Nanci Bums; Manager, Quality Assurance, Marjorie Clegg; Bob Dagenais, Principal, Glebe Collegiate Institute; Principal, Staff Development, Margaret Dempsey; Principal, Program, Bob Powell; Curriculum Support Teacher, Sue Taylor; Neill Wyatt, Principal, Colonel By S.S.; Committee Coordinator, Kim Young. ALSO PRESENT: Susan Annis, Arts Advisory Committee; Molly Ensom, Student, Hillcrest H.S; Tom Sinclair, Alternative Schools Advisory Committee; Marilyn Wilson, Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity. 1. Receipt of Special Education Advisory Committee Report, No. 9, 7 June 2000 On a motion by Trustee Scott, your Committee received Report No. 9, Special Education Advisory Committee, dated 7 June 2000. On a motion by Trustee Scott, your Committee recommends: THAT REPORT NO. 9, SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DATED 7 JUNE 2000 BE RECEIVED. (APPENDIX A ATTACHED) The recommendations in the report were dealt with at the 12 June 2000 Board meeting. 2. Receipt of Alternative Schools Advisory Committee Annual Report On a motion by Trustee Graham, the Annual Report of the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee was received, in accordance with Policy P.065:GOV, Advisory Committees to the Board. (Please refer to the Education Committee agenda of 19 June 2000 for a copy of the report.) Receipt of the Arts Advisory Committee Annual Report On a motion by Trustee Scott, the Annual Report of the Arts Advisory Committee was received, in accordance with Policy P.065:GOV, Advisory Committees to the Board. (Please refer to the Education Committee agenda of 19 June 2000 for a copy of the report.) Education Committee -1- 19 June 2000 0. Trustee Chambers requested that the most recently revised version of the Suggested Time Allocation Guidelines for Elementary Schools, on Folio 32, be circulated to trustees. Trustee Libbey requested that staff provide information regarding the student enrolment figures in Grade 10 arts programs. 4. Receipt of Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity Annual Report On a motion by Trustee Scott, the Annual Report of the Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity was received, in accordance with Policy P.008.GOV Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity. (APPENDIX B ATTACHED) 5. Late French Immersion Program Trustee Libbey requested that staff provide the trustees with the Toronto report on French Immersion, as well as the earlier report prepared for the OCDSB. Superintendent Mason offered to meet with Trustee Scott to discuss a motion for the fall addressing her concerns about the late French Immersion Program, as well as trustees' concerns about an evaluation of the French Immersion Program as a whole, including a costing analysis. Superintendent Mason also agreed to provide to trustees, in the meantime, information on file regarding the costing of the French immersion programs. Superintendent Mason agreed to investigate the possible opportunities for federal funding to enable the OCDSB to expand its research and evaluation of the French Immersion program. 6. New Business Trustee Scott requested that staff provide information regarding the measures that will be taken this year to accommodate those students who are unable to access the remedial summer program Patty Anne Hill, Chair Education Committee ky /partreportl9june2000.doc Education Committee -2- 19 June 2000 APPENDIX A • OTGWA-CARLEMN DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD REPORT NO.9 SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE To: The Board Date: 7 June 2000 A meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee was held in the Sir Robert Borden High School Library, 131 Greenbank Road, Nepean, commencing at 7:45 p.m. with Myrna Laurenceson in the Chair and the following in attendance: Trustee Members: Andrew Lam; Sheryl MacDonald; Lynn Scott Other Trustees: Lynn Graham; Jim Libbey Association Representatives: Jane Berman, Association for Bright Children; Susanne Striegler (altemate),Autism Society of Ontario; Jon Kidd, Ottawa Deaf Centre; Bruce Ernhofer, Down Syndrome Association; Patricia Fraser (alternate), Easter Seals Society; Nora Ann McKibbon, Epilepsy Ottawa - Carleton; Gregory Bonnah, Integration Action Group; Bob Fraser, Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa; Lamar Mason, Margot Humphreys (alternate), Ottawa - Carleton Assembly of School Councils; Myrna Laurenceson, Ottawa - Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Community Representatives: Bronwyn Funiciello, Evan Cooper, Debi Kirwan Staff: James Grieve, Director of Education and Secretary of the Board; Dan Mason, Superintendent of Program; Larry Archibald, Superintendent of Schools; Barbara Stollery, Superintendent of Schools; Laura McAlister, Principal, Special Education; Terry Laughlin, Chief, Psychological Services; Sandra Owens, Special Education Support Teacher; Eleanor Thomas, Research Associate; Cheryl Thoms, Supervisor, Speech and Language Services; Dan Wiseman, Chief, Social Work; Kim Young, Committee Coordinator. Non - Voting Representatives: Michael Harrison, Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation; Lynn Moran, Tony Pearson, Ontario Secondary Schools Teachers' Federation; Jacquie Hawken, Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation; Christine DiZazzo, Professional Student Services Personnel. Also present: Bobette Dingwall and Carolyn Treffers, Special Education Support Teachers; Steve Ardanez and Diana Ardanez, Sign Language Interpreters. Call to Order Co -Chair Myna Laurenceson called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. 2. Approval of Agenda On a motion by Jane Berman, the agenda was approved as amended, with the addition of a discussion of the impact of the school closure study on special education under New Business and the correction of Item No. 10 to read Board Motion, Elementary Gifted Programs. Public Ouestion Period a) Marge Duncan, Co -Chair of the Special Education Committee, Elementary Teachers' Federation, expressed appreciation to the OCDSB SEAC for its hard work and advocacy on behalf of exceptional students. Special Education Advisory Committee -1- 7 June 2000 U_ b) John Lloyd, Chair of the Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education School Council, referred to Regulation 181 of the Education Act and inquired as to why the OCDSB's policy on IPRCs differs from the Ministry regulations with regard to representation on IPRCs. Principal McAlister noted that the regulation indicates that one of three members of the committee shall be a principal or supervisory officer. She also noted that the delivery program is inherent in the needs statement, which forms part of the IPRC. C) Judy Poulin, Chair of the Parents' Council of Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School, expressed strong concern about the twenty -five percent reduction in educational assistants, and the loss of five FTE teaching positions at Sir Guy Carleton S.S., effective September 2000. She emphasized that the staff reductions will negatively affect the entire school community, especially the students in the Living and Learning Program. Given that the school has not experienced a significant decline in student population, the pending changes in focus and delivery of the Learning and Living Program, the wide - range of special needs students in the program, Ms. Poulin asked the Committee to support her school in its efforts to have five educational assistants reinstated at the school. Principal McAlister explained the process for allocating educational assistants to schools, including an adherence to criteria in the Comprehensive Plan and the receipt of input from schools as to the specific needs of their students. She noted that the total number of educational assistants is the same as in the last budget year and that the educational assistants have been re- allocated to meet the greatest and/or changing needs of students in the system. She also noted that a further refinement of the allocation might be necessary in the fall, based upon changing needs over the summer. Myrna Laurenceson noted that SEAC would always support the need for more educational assistants where they are needed and she confirmed that SEAC would be watching the review of the reallocation in the fall. 4. Departmental Update Principal McAlister noted that the staffing complement of the special education support team has been completed. The team recently met to strategize about new ways to meet the needs of special education teachers and regular classroom teachers. Staff development is a priority, along with the development of closer ties to the departments of Business & Learning Technologies, Program, and Quality Assurance. She noted that the application deadline for the Post 21 pilot project has been extended to 16 June 2000. Ms. McAlister mentioned that system class placements are almost complete and that the Zone 1 pilot project staff allocation process continues, as well as the in service component. Ms. McAlister announced that Marilyn Engelbert, a non - voting SEAC representative, has been appointed vice - principal at Osgoode Township High School. Tent' Laughlin, Chief of Psychological Services, noted that the system class reviews and placement process are almost complete. He announced that this would be his last SEAC meeting as he is retiring from the OCDSB shortly. By his calculations, he has attended over 200 SEAC meetings over the years and he wished the members well in their ongoing advocacy for special needs children. Cheryl Thorns, Supervisor, Speech and Language Services reported that staff are completing year -end assessments and reports. The department has also been involved in the placement of LLD students, the Headstart program, and the Primary Language Literacy Launch of First Words on 10 May 2000. Speech and Language pathologists are meeting and planning inservice and staff development. Ms. Thom indicated that this would be her last SEAC meeting as Special Education Advisory Committee -2- 7 June 2000 she is retiring from the OCDSB. She expressed her pleasure in working with SEAC over the years. Director Grieve commented on the continuing transitions that are taking place in some parts of the Board. He noted that the OCDSB is losing the talent, expertise and corporate memory of two very valuable individuals and that the only "good news" is that both Terry Laughlin and Cheryl Thoms will be remaining in the area and available to offer advice if needed. The Director wished them much success in their future endeavors. Trustee Scott moved THAT a vote of appreciation be extended to Terry Laughlin and Cheryl Thoms for their considerable contributions to the OCDSB over the years. The motion was carried. Director Grieve noted that the Ministry is providing two opportunities for public input into Bill 74: The Education Accountability Act. The Board was not granted time at the consultation taking place in Ottawa on 9 June 2000. The Director noted that he is working with the Council of Directors of Education (CODE) to ensure that the Ministry receives the message that school boards are eager to find ways to address the issues of workload, teacher suspensions, governance and compliance, without having to resort to full legislation. He also intends to make it very clear to teachers' federations that the Board is willing to work with them in finding another solution to this issue. Lamar Mason noted that she would be speaking at the 9 June 2000 public hearings on Bill 74 and that while she is not officially representing either SEAC or OCASC, she will speak to their issues of concern. She requested that any input from SEAC be sent to her prior to Friday's hearing. Trustee Scott noted that the Board has written a letter to the Ministry outlining its concerns with Bill 74 and that the letter has been posted on the OCDSB web site. Trustee Scott moved THAT the Special Education Advisory Committee write to the Minister of Education expressing its serious concerns about Bill 74 and its impact on special education students and all students. The motion was carried. Trustee Scott suggested that members forward their input to Myrna Laurenceson. 5. Chair's Report Myrna Laurenceson expressed her thanks to Bobette Dingwall and Carolyn Treffers, Special Education Teachers, for setting up a fascinating display prior to the meeting, which illustrates a program they developed for students with developmental disabilities to aid in developing reading skills. Myrna Laurenceson reported that the sub - committee formed at the 5 May 2000 meeting has written a letter to the Minister of Education providing a parallel submission to the OCDSB's response to the Ministry regarding the Special Education Comprehensive Plan. The Co -Chair reported that she was pleased to have attended the year -end meeting of the Special Education Committee of the Ottawa - Carleton Elementary Teachers' Federation. She also reported that she had spoken at a rally on 3 June 2000 of 5000 parents, teachers, trustees and SEAC members at the Supreme Court House to demonstrate concern about the pending Bill 74 legislation. Ms. Laurenceson reported that Jacquie Hawken would be re- locating to Czechoslovakia but that SEAC looks forward to her return in two years. The Co -Chair welcomed Patricia Fraser to SEAC as the alternate for the Easter Seal Society. Special Education Advisory Committee -3- 7 June 2000 0. Myrna Laurenceson referred to the retirements of Terry Laughlin and Cheryl Thoms from the OCDSB and noted that this would be a great loss to the Board and special education. In a brief presentation, Jane Berman noted Tent' Laughlin's qualities of compassion and diplomacy and his skill in listening and helping students and their parents through difficult periods. On behalf of SEAC, she thanked Mr. Laughlin for his help over the years and wished him well in his future plans. A gift of appreciation was presented to Mr. Laughlin. In a brief presentation to Cheryl Thoms, Bronwyn Funiciello noted that Ms. Thoms' efforts have benefited many children and parents. On behalf of SEAC, she offered Ms. Thoms her best wishes for much success in her future endeavors and presented her with a gift of appreciation. Terry Laughlin and Cheryl Thoms thanked SEAC for their kind words and noted that it has been an honour to work with the committee. 6. Review of Report No. 8, Special Education Advisory Committee, 7 June 2000 Business Arising In response to a request from Bronwyn Funiciello regarding an OCDSB policy related to student suicide threats, Dan Wiseman noted that both predecessor school boards had procedures in place to aid teachers and school officials in dealing with student suicide threats. An amalgamated suicide procedure is currently being developed; Dan Wiseman agreed to provide the precedent board policies in the meantime. Debi. Kirwan requested that Post 21 Pilot Project staffing be added to the SEAC /Staff Action Sheet. Principal McAlister noted that approximately 20 students have applied to the Post 21 program, with approximately 10 -13 students leaving the program at Clifford Bowey Public School. The level of staffing will be based upon the level of funding, as determined by the Ministry. In response to Lamar Mason's query about the Survey for Review of Special Education and Student Services, Eleanor Thomas noted that a total of 3,500 surveys has been circulated to all SERTs, SELCs, regular classroom teachers, principals, PSSP staff and all parents of special needs students. In response to a query, Director Grieve noted that the Board has not received any further documentation from the Ministry with regard to the increase in special education funding. Regarding a query by Myrna Laurenceson, the Director noted that he will determine whether a letter has been sent to the Ministry, outlining the OCDSB's concerns about the inadequacy of the provincial funding model (motion by Trustee Sheryl MacDonald at the 8 May 2000 Board meeting.) A copy of the letter will be forwarded to the Co- Chairs as soon as possible. 7. Proposal for Reviews of Special Education Student Services 2000 -2001 The Committee had before it for information and input staff report No. 00 -135 presenting the process for the reviews of the Special Education/Student Services delivery in 2000 -2001. The report included a general program evaluation matrix, as well as proposed action plans, information about the advisory committees, and requests for input for the areas of programs/services for the gifted, students with developmental disabilities and special education in secondary schools. Superintendent Mason introduced the report, noting that the program evaluation matrix was endorsed by SEAC in April 1999 as a tool for planning evaluations of special education projects. SEAC members noted that while SEAC would have the opportunity to provide input regarding issues to be addressed in the reviews, there was no opportunity for SEAC to provide input prior to the presentation of the final report. Special Education Advisory Committee -4- 7 June 2000 i In response to Debi Kirwan's query about the omission of SEAC from the plan for the review of Special Education/Student Services Delivery Models, Eleanor Thomas noted that the review is already in progress and the surveys, as mentioned earlier in the meeting, have been circulated. In response to a query, Superintendent Mason agreed to investigate the lack of SEAC representation on the Review Advisory Committee for Special Education/Student Services in Secondary Schools. Superintendent Mason confirmed that the final report would be presented to SEAC as an information item. He emphasized however, that SEAC would have an opportunity to provide input to the process via its representation on the advisory committees associated with each review. A SEAC member expressed concern about literature reviews that have been conducted in the past, in that they sometimes failed to include research based upon both specialized sites and an integrated model. Superintendent Mason noted that every effort would be made to ensure that the literature reviews are as comprehensive as possible. Christine DiZazzo noted that she was pleased the Professional Student Services Personnel would be canvassed, but expressed concern that the surveys are being distributed to staff at the worst time of year, in terms of teachers' and professionals' workload. She predicted that teachers would not be able to complete and return the surveys, or that those returned will have been completed more quickly than they should have been. Superintendent Mason pointed out that there is never really a good time to elicit information and that the advantage of the evaluation matrix is that it is based upon multiple sources of data, in order to attain accurate results. A discussion ensured regarding the role and responsibility of members on advisory committees to represent the views of their associations. Some members noted that if advisory committee members are representing their associations, they must solicit feedback from their associations and report back to the advisory committee. Members expressed concern regarding the selection of association representatives by central staff, as opposed to associations selecting their own representatives to the advisory committees. Tony Pearson expressed concern that administration chooses the composition of the advisory committees, as opposed to the teachers' federations or Special Education Subject Council. He asserted that teachers, who deliver the services, are the best judges of the implementation of the delivery models and suggested that the composition of the advisory committees include more teachers. Staff noted that every effort is made to choose individuals who are experts in their fields, and that depending upon the particular review, the composition of the advisory committees, which includes senior staff, regular classroom teachers, special education teachers, principals, and community representatives, is as representative as possible. Trustee Scott noted the appropriateness of allowing SEAC to choose their own Community Liaison member on the advisory committee. She also suggested that the advisory committees be composed of three Community Liaisons, to better represent the range of exceptionalities in the school system. Superintendent Mason agreed to consult with the SEAC Co- Chairs with regard to the selection of Community Liaisons on the three review advisory committees. 8. Planning Process for 2001 -2001 Budget Process Director Grieve noted that SEAC's input was very useful in helping staff to craft a public relations information campaign to highlight the negative impact of the Ministry's funding formula on school boards across the province, including the impacts on special education and English as a Second Language Special Education Advisory Committee -5- 7 June 2000 6q. programs. He estimated that the bulk of the campaign plan would be completed by 16 June 2000, to be initiated by the end of the school year and continued prior to budget deliberations. With regard to the budget planning process, the Director acknowledged the problems inherent in the traditional two -month intensive budget process, including the fact that most of the Board and Committee work grinds to a halt during this time. He expressed the view that a series of budget - related meetings should start in late September, perhaps establishing a Committee of the Whole or sub - committee of chairs, to bring greater clarity regarding expenditures and savings across the Board. He envisaged that through the fall, a full priority- setting process would take place, including input from SEAC, and the opportunity for public input via written communication or delegations. Director Grieve commented that, conceptually, he hoped for a "longer ramp to a more abbreviated decision - making process." Director Grieve noted that although the November election may delay the budget process, an earlier start to the process might reduce the overall number of meetings, increase the public's understanding of the budget, and allow more time for the public to ask questions and cogitate on the answers. He expressed hope that SEAC would come forward with recommendations about the next budget process and he invited the members to share their views on his proposed changes to the budget process. Lamar Mason noted that, at least for the coming year, most of the reviews of the special education delivery models would not be available until after the proposed priority- setting process had already taken place. She also noted that, while the Committee of the Whole (Budget) is an exhausting process, she was uncertain as to whether the membership or the community could rally around a less intensive, but yearlong process. On the whole, Ms. Mason noted, any revision to the process that would allow greater time to understand the effects of the proposed budget would be useful. Jane: Berman commented that the process needs to be different, not just lengthened. She expressed support for the setting of budget - related priorities, prior to the November elections. Director Grieve noted that the proposed budget process would be an inherently different, and more transparent process in that it would be entirely clear as to what the OCDSB does with its diminishing funds. 9. Notices of Motion a) Report on Students Removed from System Classes, Lamar Mason Lamar Mason noted that she had presented the motion to SEAC prior to Trustee Chambers' presentation to Board of a motion regarding learning disabled classes and therefore, the motion to SEAC may be redundant. She noted that children are being removed from system classes and placed in classes that may not be meeting their special needs. The motion was withdrawn. b) Dispute Resolution for Disasreements in Implementation of IPRCs, Greg Bonnah Notice of motion having been given, Greg Bonnah moved as follows: WHEREAS the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board ( OCDSB) currently has no procedures or policies in place to assist parents when a dispute arises over the implementation of an agreed to IPRC; Therefore be it resolved: THAT procedures be adopted by the OCDSB whereby a detailed Individual Education Plan (IEP) be developed in consultation with parents and that the IEP include details about Special Education Advisory Committee -6- 7 June 2000 i) the placement ii) time tables for - implementation of the plan - specialized help - class programming iii) specialized staffing, including the qualifications of the staff iv) program milestones v) projected outcomes THAT this IEP be developed before the I.P.RC. decision is finalized, so that all parties fully understand what they are agreeing to. 3. THAT a Mediation Procedure be adopted, to ensure that there is adherence to the I.P.R.0 implementation, and resolution of disputes concerning the interpretation of the I.P.R.C. and/or IEP decision. In introducing the motion, Greg Bonnah noted that "help" in 1. ii), should be replaced by "staff'. He stressed the importance of having Individual Education Plans (IEPs) developed before IPRCs are conducted, as well as the development and implementation of a mediation process to resolve disputes about the implementation of IPRCs and IEPs. Members speaking in support of the motion noted that there is a problem related to the timing of IPRCs. Parents are asked to agree to a certain number of "unknowns" as school placement is contingent upon information that is only known later in the year. Members who spoke against the motion noted that IPRCs are conducted in April through June, and staffing allocations are determined afterwards. If the process were reversed, school staff would have to be reallocated after the IPRCs are completed and this would interfere with the identification of the specific services required by students. They also noted that re- ordering the IPRC and IEP process would necessitate a third meeting between staff and parents. Principal McAlister noted that Ministry regulations indicate that the purpose of IPRCs is to identify students as exceptional or not exceptional and to determine their placement. The IEP must be developed in 30 days and the review of the placement is not to be initiated for at least 90 days. She explained that the second meeting of parents and staff is usually non - contentious because the parents have already had their concerns addressed, and the parameters of the program explained, earlier in the process. She added that it would be possible to have an IEP without an IPRC. The Director noted that mediation costs range from $1500- $3000. In wrap -up, Mr. Bonnah reiterated the need for a mechanism for parents to appeal the interpretation of IPRC and IEPs. The motion was defeated. Members generally agreed, however, that it is necessary to have a process in place to address situations in which IPRCs are not being adhered to and that this is an issue for future SEAC consideration. C) Noon -hour Monitors, Myrna Laurenceson Notice of motion having been given, Myrna Laurenceson moved as follows: Special Education Advisory Committee -7- 7 June 2000 WHEREAS respect for the basic dignity of our students demands that they receive the assistance necessary to allow them to consume their lunch in a socially acceptable manner; WHEREAS assisting students with developmental disabilities at lunch is no more optional than providing them with transportation to and from school; WHEREAS acceptable eating behaviour is a basic social and personal skill that must be learned; WHEREAS the school has a responsibility to ensure that students with developmental disabilities eat in a manner that is safe for themselves and others; WHEREAS the lunch break should be an enjoyable experience for the students as opposed to being an overly regimented, hurried or confusing activity; WHEREAS because it is necessary to stagger lunch periods, the support provided by noon -hour monitors allows some teachers and educational assistants to continue their instructional program and not have to leave their classrooms to assist classes other than their own with lunches; Therefore be it resolved: THAT noon -hour monitors continue to be allocated to Clifford Bowey Public School, Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education and Centennial Public School as in the past year (1999- 2000). 2. In introducing the motion, Myma Laurenceson noted that the six noon -hour monitors are a cost to the Board of $18,000 per year. The monitors assist the students at lunchtime, thereby insuring that the noon -hour is an enjoyable, dignified, learning experience for students with disabilities. She noted that currently, educational assistants are being taken from classrooms to help students at lunchtime. In response to a query, Principal McAlister explained that the schools have staggered their lunch hours so that half of the teachers and educational assistants at a time could help the students with eating, while the other half had their uninterrupted break. The motion was carried. * d) Work Experience Proeram, Myrna Laurenceson Notice of motion having been given, Myrna Laurenceson moved that: WHEREAS work experience in the community under the supervision of an Educational Assistant/job coach is essential if the students are to learn how to adapt to the requirements of the real work environment, and if employers are to learn that people with developmental disabilities can perform meaningful work given the right supports; WHEREAS learning to adapt to the work environment and acquiring real life work skills is a slow process for most people with developmental disabilities; therefore, the work experience program must be available to students as soon as they are capable of benefiting from it and must continue until they are ready to graduate; * Dealt with at the 12 June 2000 Board meeting Special Education Advisory Committee -8- 7 June 2000 %a. WHEREAS it is ironic that the public in general and business leaders in particular are (W pressing for an educational system that better prepares our youth for the labour market and we have a program for people with developmental disabilities that does just that, but which is in jeopardy because provincial funding cuts have forced the OCDSB to switch to a " new special education delivery model" (meaning fewer teachers and Educational Assistants); WHEREAS the commercial kitchens at Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education and Clifford Bowey Public School are able to provide "real life" work experience for students without leaving the school by assigning full -time Educational Assistants to run these facilities; Therefore be it resolved: THAT the full -time Work- Experience Coordinator for students with developmental disabilities be reinstated; THAT Educational Assistants continue to be available to serve as job coaches for out -of - school work experience and in the commercial kitchens at Clifford Bowey Public School and Crystal Bay Centre for Special Education. In introducing the motion, Ms. Laurenceson made a slide presentation that portrayed some of the students in the Work Experience Program and the broad range of work placements /employers with which they are involved. She noted that the Work Experience Program is a successful and worthy program that contributes greatly to the self - esteem of its students as it teaches them the requirements of a real work environment. She asserted that the Work Experience Coordinator's responsibilities include the placement of approximately one hundred students, service coordination, the transitioning of students beyond the school system, and the coordination of the Post 21 pilot project. She noted that, while the program itself is not being eliminated in 2001 -2002, the sharing of the Work Experience Coordinator functions among already over - burdened special education resource teacher and special education classroom teachers will ultimately result in the demise of the program. She also questioned the wisdom of eliminating the position, given that the services for the developmentally disabled will be reviewed later this year. A member requested that Part A. and Part B. of the motion be voted separately. Members speaking in support of the motion noted that the Work Experience Program motion, as well as the motions regarding the noon -hour monitors and the swimming program at Clifford Bowey P.S., were carried unanimously at the Crystal Bay Centre annual general meeting and by the executive of the Clifford Bowey Public School Council. Members speaking against Part B. of the motion noted that educational assistants should be allocated to the education of students. In response to a query by Lamar Mason, Principal McAlister noted that the Work Experience Coordinator position was built into the 1999 -2000 budget as a central administration position. She emphasized that while the position has been eliminated, the responsibilities of the Coordinator will continue in other ways. Planning sessions have already taken place with the six work- experience educational assistants and partnerships with community groups around transitioning, for example, Y's Owl Co-op, will be strengthened. Part A. of the motion was carried. Part B. of the motion was carried. * * Dealt with at the 12 June 2000 Board meeting. Special Education Advisory Committee -9- 7 June 2000 7�- Principal McAlister noted that the reinstatement of the Work Experience Coordinator has implications for the budget in that additional funding would have to be found. e) Swimming Program at Clifford Bowev Pool, Myrna Laurenceson Notice of motion having been given, Myrna Laurenceson moved as follows: WHEREAS swimming is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable forms of physical conditioning for students with developmental disabilities, most of whom also have physical disabilities; WHEREAS in the early days of Clifford Bowey Public School, parents, medical specialists and educators considered swimming to be such an essential element of the instructional program that the relatively small PTA undertook one of the largest parent - run fund raising projects in the Ottawa Public School system to build the specialized pool facility; Whereas apart from the physical conditioning benefits provided by the pool, many students with development disabilities have become very competent swimmers as a result of the skill and dedication of the pool staff; Whereas learning to swim gives students with developmental disabilities a sense of personal achievement that is often unattainable when they participate in other sports, and allows them to engage in a healthy and enjoyable form of recreation on an equal footing with non - handicapped people; Therefore be it resolved: THAT the two Educational Assistant positions (overlay) assigned to run the swimming program at Clifford Bowey Public School be in addition to the regular complement of Educational Assistants authorized for classroom duty as determined by the student enrolment at Clifford Bowey Public School. In introducing the motion, Ms. Laurenceson noted that, in previous years, the two educational assistants overseeing the swimming program at Clifford Bowey P.S. were overlay positions, and that last year, the two pool positions were considered in the overall allocation of teachers at the school. Speaking in support of the motion, Debi Kirwan noted that the educational assistants in the classroom are not qualified to replace educational assistants assigned to the pool program, and considering that the swimming program is vital to the health and well -being of students with developmental disabilities, the allocation of educational assistants for the classroom should be entirely separate from the allocation of two educational assistants to the pool. Principal McAlister noted that, based upon the current staffing formula, the staffing allocation at Clifford Bowey P.S. exceeds the allocation by one. She pointed out that in September, based upon enrolment, the school could be allocated additional educational assistant(s). A member noted that the review of the developmental disabilities program is pending, and that the staff allocation and safety issues associated with the swimming program would also be assessed at that time. The motion was carried. * * Dealt with at the 12 June 2000 Board meeting. Special Education Advisory Committee -10- 7 June 2000 / /, Members requested that the Work Experience Program, Noon -hour Monitors, and Swimming Program at Clifford Bowey P.S. Pool recommendations be presented to the Board at its 12 June 2000 Board meeting. 7. Board Motion, Elementary Gifted Programs Due to the late hour, Myrna Laurenceson requested that SEAC members forward their comments to her by Monday, 12 June 2000 and she will present the feedback to the Board at its 12 June 2000 meeting. 8. Report of SEAC Sub - Committee — Letter to the Ministry re: Special Education Comprehensive Plan The letter to the Ministry was dealt with under the Chair's Report. 9. Waiting Lists for Assessment The data on waiting lists for assessments/counselling services was distributed at the meeting. 10. New Business In response to a query about the school closure process timelines, Director Grieve confirmed that the staff would be presenting its recommendations to the Board at the 26 June 2000 meeting. Jane Berman noted that she had summarized the impact of the school closure study reports on special education (Copies were distributed at the meeting). She asked that members forward their comments to Myma Laurenceson. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Myrna Laurenceson, Co -Chair Special Education Advisory Committee ky/2mins7juneKdoc Special Education Advisory Committee -11- 7 June 2000 APPENDIX B Z9. THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR ETHNOCULTURAL EQUITY ANNUAL REPORT Report to the Ottawa - Carleton District School Board, June 19, 2000 I - This year was a particularly busy one for the Community Council for Ethnocultural Equity (CCEE;. We had set a course for our progress in September to accomplish several initiatives, most of which, I am happy to say, we were able to complete. They are as follows: • The harmonized Religious Holy Days Policy and Procedures was finalized. • The annotated bibliography of ARSE resources housed in the Media Centre was compiled and appears on BEAM and in hard copy in all OCDSB schools. The CCEE, in collaboration with the TCE, launched the bibliography at a reception at the Media Centre, February 17, 2000. • The Grade 10 History and Grades 3 and 6 Social Studies inclusive curriculum documents were completed. • A poster was designed, in conjunction with personnel at the OCDSB Media Centre, advertising and explaining the CCEE. These will be placed in all the schools in time for school opening in September 2000. • A CCEE FACT SHEET and brochure will be available to staff and community members in the Fall. • The CCEE was involved in several initiatives at the Board level including the Future Schools Conference, the School Profiles Committee, the `Children At Risk' fora, and the System Audit. • CCEE supported lobbying efforts regarding cutbacks from the Ministry of Education to ESL programs in the schools. We fully support the experts concerning the length of time is necessary for ESL to be truly effective for the student's overal education. • The CCEE met with the Director of the Board, Jim Grieve, first in October and at a follow -up meeting in March, where we shared our concerns vis -a -vis AREE. We have increased our outreach, both internally and externally through AREE contact teachers within the OCDSB and with other community groups, including the Jewish Community Council, The ODAWA Friendship Centre, OCISO, and the Nepean Community Resource Centre. 2... 76 2. CCEE has strengthened our link to the Change Your Future Counsellor and the Student Forum Committee. The CCEE presented a case to the Board for the reinstatement of the position of a Coordinator for ARSE, (March 28, 2000). We are extremely pleased that the Board has agreed to the need for this level of support. The person filling this position will be devoted to the concerns and issues of the AREE policy implementation, for the school year, starting in September, 2000 to June 2001, and will work closely with the CCEE. II - Our planning for the year commencing September 2000 is challenging: • We want to increase our outreach to both community members and teachers. • We want to work within the policy to advance ARSE from the community's point of view, both through the School Councils and within the schools. • We want to continue to be a voice on a variety of Board committees. • We would like to contribute, in some way, to the `Children At Risk' program. • We look forward to continue to work collaboratively with the Board on initiatives that we see as mutually beneficial for an equitable education for all students within the Board. These are only some of the initiatives we hope to undertake in the next school year. We hope to increase our numbers and be a strong resource both to the community and to the OCDSB. This summary of the accomplishments and some future initiatives of the CCEE is respectfully submitted to the Board from the Chair of the CCEE, Marilyn Wilson.