Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 02 Hansard (Thursday, 4 March 2004) . . Page.. 850 ..

Government Special Schools

The four special schools, Cranleigh, Malkara, Black Mountain and Woden, provide intensive educational, vocational and life skills programs for students with disabilities.

Class sizes in special schools vary from 5-8 students per class.

Individual Learning Plans

Every child accessing special education services has an individual learning plan (ILP). The ILP is developed in consultation between teachers, parents/caregivers, other relevant professionals and the student if appropriate. It is a written statement that, among other things, outlines the student’s current level of functioning and sets both long and short term educational objectives for the student. The ILP is reviewed on a regular basis.

Resources

The allocation of resources to the school to support the student is linked to the ILP. The student centred appraisal of need process has a strong educational focus. It looks at the areas in which a student needs support, such as communication, social development and curriculum participation. The appraisal takes place at a meeting held between the principal, classroom teacher, parent/caregiver and other people who have an interest in the student. The principal is responsible for managing the resources to achieve the goals in the ILP.

Classroom support

The classroom teacher, in consultation with the executive teacher and the principal, is responsible for implementing the ILP. Special teachers’ assistants support the classroom teachers and provide assistance with student needs such as toileting, feeding, signing, Brailling and general educational support.

Transport & specialist services

Some children require services that are provided by other professionals such as speech therapists and physiotherapists. These services are provided by Therapy ACT.

Special needs transport may also be available for students whose parents are unable to take them to school or who are unable to access normal bus routes.

Parent involvement

The involvement of parents/caregivers is an essential part of services to students with a disability.

Housing—inspections
(Question No 1262)

Mrs Burke asked the Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, upon notice:

Can the Minister advise:

(1) The frequency of inspections for A.C.T. Housing properties;

(2) The method of recording such inspections;

(3) How this information is used, and by whom;

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .