St Albans Secondary College is committed to successful educational outcomes for all students including those who have additional needs. We strive to provide a positive learning environment, which includes reasonable adjustments to your child’s learning program.
Disability Inclusion
The Department of Education is currently supporting all government schools in Victoria to implement the Disability Inclusion reform. This reform will help schools build a working relationship with our students and their families providing reasonable adjustments to a students’ learning program. It will provide resources to schools for a defined student population of students with disabilities and students with additional needs.
Adjustments for students with additional needs will include planning by the teacher guided by professional recommendations, intervention in the classrooms, assessment and reporting for alternative assessment practices, environment modifications and equipment, and resources as required including alternative programs. Families who have completed assessments with external professionals are encouraged to provide reports and recommendations to our school for adjustments to be implemented.
Specific Learning Disorder – reading and writing
Incoming students may be tested to determine basic literacy competence. The information collected is used to inform both classroom teachers to identify students with particular learning difficulties, who might benefit from adjustments and specific intervention. Students identified with low Literacy needs will have access to Literacy Support classes to assist with the development of their reading and writing skills.
Student Support Groups
A Student Support Group is developed for students identified by the school as needing adjustments to their learning. This is a cooperative partnership between the parent/guardian/carer(s), school representatives and professionals, to ensure coordinated support for the student’s educational needs. It is the responsibility of the Student Support Group to:
- identify the student’s needs
- determine any adjustments to be made to the curriculum
- plan an appropriate educational program
- develop an Individual Education Plan
- develop a Behaviour Management Plan, if required
- develop a Student Health Plan, if required
- communicate the relevant plan/s with teachers and provide support to implement the learning plan
- provide advice to the Principal concerning the additional educational needs of the student and the types of resources required to meet these needs
- Regularly review and evaluate the student’s progress and goals
Supporting Students with Additional Needs
Trained Education Support staff assist students with their social and academic needs, ensuring they can access their learning, providing support in the classroom and building the student’s capacity to be successful and independent during their school day. The Individual Education Plan also provides clear goals and appropriate learning activities and assessment tasks, to engage students in the classroom curriculum.
SASC ensures that all individuals are valued and included within our school community and promotes student self-determination, positive growth and resilience.
