A
PARENT’S GUIDE
to
SPECIAL EDUCATION
at
CARDINAL CARTER CATHOLIC
SECONDARY SCHOOL
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION & LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM?
WHO MAKES UP THE SPECIAL EDUCATION & LIFE SKILLS DEPARTMENT?
HOW DO WE MEET THE NEEDS OF ‘INDIVIDUAL’ STUDENTS?
WHO TO CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION
 THE MISSION OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION & LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMEvery student is a valued and welcomed member
Of our Catholic learning environment.
By recognizing individual strengths
And addressing the needs of our students,
Growth, development and learning
Shall be enhanced.
In this way, all learners will be given
The opportunity to contribute
In a meaningful manner.
OUR GOALS
By following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, the Special Education & Life Skills department tries to establish a partnership consisting of students, parents, teachers and other professionals that has all parties committed to:
Including every student in age appropriate settings as unique and capable learners;
Creating an atmosphere of trust and respect;
Facilitating full participation as contributing members of the school family;
Fostering friendships in school and community; and
Developing confidence and self-esteem through shared responsibilities.
OUR STAFF
The Special Education Department is staffed by a team of qualified, caring professionals made up of Learning Support Services Teachers (LSSTs), and Educational Assistants (EA) s. This team is headed up by our Department Head, Mr. Ryan Coristine.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Special Education Department at Cardinal Carter provides ongoing support as needed for exceptional learners through our Life Skills program and through Resource Assistance. We also oversee the Essentials/Workplace program and monitor the progress of exceptional students in the Applied and Academic programs.
Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Program focuses on developing Numeracy, literacy, life skills and employability skills for students who are working towards a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Accomplishment. Students take a combination of integrated courses and non-credit Life Skills, or “K” courses. Employability skills are introduced initially in the in-school World of Work program, followed by participation in the out-of-school Co-operative Education program. Classroom and workplace support is provided by Educational Assistants. Physical and behavioural support is also provided as needed.
Essentials/Workplace Program
This program offers courses for students with Individual Education Plans who require modified programming. The focus is on improving literacy, Numeracy and organizational skills through credited courses. Students are enrolled in a combination of locally developed (essentials) courses and modified open and applied level courses. Later programming is aimed at developing employability skills so that students can make a smooth transition to the workplace. Resource assistance is provided by our Learning Enrichment Teachers both in the classroom and in the Learning Support area. Some students may also be provided with the support of an Educational Assistant.
Applied and Academic Level Programs
Students who are taking courses at the Applied or Academic levels and who have either an Individual Education Plan or an Accommodation Log may also access resource assistance from our Learning Enrichment Teachers in the Learning Support area.
Resource Assistance
Resource assistance is available for students who have an Individual Education Plan or Accommodation Log, or who are being monitored by the Special Education Department. Learning Enrichment Teachers are available to provide academic support and accommodations for tests, quizzes, assignments and daily work either in the classroom or in Room 150 – the Learning Support room. Students typically remain in class for the duration of the lesson and then are released to Room 150 for additional assistance if necessary. In some cases, the Learning Enrichment Teacher works in the classroom alongside the classroom teacher.
Contact Person: For more information regarding our programs for exceptional learners, please contact Mr. Ryan Coristine, Department Head of Special Education, at (519) 322-2804 ext.37.
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