The School-Based Team
Every school has a School-Based Team. The core team members are the administrator, the learning assistance teacher(s), and the counsellor. Other staff members attend meetings as needed. The purpose of the School-Based Team is assist classroom teachers to develop and implement instructional and/or management strategies and to coordinate support resources for students with special needs within the school. The School-Based Team provides support for students who are struggling with school as well as students who are exceeding expectations.
If you have concerns or questions about your child’s academic program, please do not hesitate to contact a member of your School-Based Team.
Special Education Services – A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
Resolving Concerns About Your Child’s Education Services
No one knows more about your child than you do. By working together, you and the staff of the school can help your child have a successful school year. If you become concerned about your child’s educational programs or education services, contact your child’s teacher immediately and share information about your concerns. Informal meetings and phone conferences help you build a partnership with the teacher and school. You may also ask for a meeting with school administrators or the resource room/learning assistance teacher at the school to discuss your concerns about your child’s education.
To prepare for the meeting or phone conference, make a list of your questions, concerns, ideas and information about your child. Ask your child if there is anything that he or she would like you to share. You may also have your child attend the meeting.
During the meeting, discuss your questions, concerns, ideas and information, take notes and ask to see examples of your child’s work, for specific examples of classroom behaviour, social interactions and ways to help your child at home. If you do not understand something, ask for an explanation. Try to arrive at a mutually agreed-upon solution to any problems or concerns. Keep detailed notes in a journal or log of who and when you talked to someone and of any timetable and action agreed to, including follow-up meetings and/or conversations.
After the meeting, talk with your child about the good things that were discussed, the problems that need to be worked on and the steps that will be taken to help your child. Keep communicating and working with your child’s teacher and if necessary, ask for a follow-up meeting or phone conference.
After talking to you child’s teacher, or the resource room/learning assistance teacher at the school and your school administrator, if you have questions or feel your concerns have not been addressed, you may want to contact your local school district office for assistance. You have due process and appeal rights to resolve issues or conflicts.