Learning Resource Centre

All “identified” students who have been identified with a special learning need through an IPRC (see link below entitled glossary) are automatically assigned to a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). In elementary school, this resource teacher is called a Learning Resource Teacher (LRT). Students who are thought of as being “at risk” can also be assigned to a SERT. [Note: these specific students are not “identified”].

The SERT does the following:
1 works directly with students in the resource room (room 1)
2 supports classroom teachers with strategies, programming ideas, and resources
3 monitors the progress of a caseload of both identified and at risk students
4 develops and maintains a student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) in consultation with the student, his / her parents, and the teachers
5 assists students in becoming better aware of their learning needs and strengths and encouraging them to use compensatory strategies
6 is a contact for the students’ parents
7 advocates for the student
8 conducts an IPRC meeting for each identified student annually
9 is a member of the In School Team (IST)
10 accommodates students’ needs in testing situations (tests, exams, provincial assessments)
11 encourages the participation of gifted students in enriched activities (see ENRICHED OPPORTUNITIES).

Classroom teachers are aware of students who are monitored by a SERT and have access to their IEP’s at the beginning of each semester. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher directly with any concerns / questions they have. The teacher is the most up-to-date source of information regarding the student. ** If a student has an IEP and is only receiving accommodations to their program, the IEP box on the Provincial Report card is not checked. When the course expectations are being altered, the course is said to be modified and the IEP box is then checked.

At G.S.S., students are supported by the Special Education department with respect to their timetabled classes. Some students may have learning needs that can’t be met in the regular classroom and require a specialized class or program. These special program placements are discussed at the student’s grade eight IPRC meeting.

All students have the ability to learn. Students are encouraged to attend school regularly, focus on lessons, have a good work ethic, prepare for tests, seek help when necessary, and take their studies at the appropriate level of difficulty.

ENRICHED OPPORTUNITIES

Students who have been assessed by the District School Board of Niagara as having intellectual ability that is in the very superior cognitive range are said to be “gifted”. These students are encouraged to accept academic challenges, develop leadership skills and make the most of their talents and abilities inside and outside of the classroom while at G.S.S. Students are encouraged to involve themselves in enriched activities offered through the Special Education department as well as other departments (examples: Math contests, UN Debating, English writing contests). Students are expected to listen to the morning announcements, check the bulletin board outside of the resource room (room 1), and GET INVOLVED ! These activities are also open to students that are not gifted.

Students who are interested in helping fellow students may also interview for a peer tutor position through the Special Education department.

For a complete and detailed list of enriched activities, please click on the link below entitled co-curricular enriched opportunities. There are a variety of enrichment activities available at the local, provincial and national level. Some examples of these are: SHAD Valley, Encounters With Canada, DEEP, QLEAD, LEAP, COLS, E=MC squared, CLAY, chess club, and School Reach.

Learning Resource Centre Links