Special Education

Each year the Special Education program has been rapidly growing and, as a result, the program has been evolving to keep up with the growth.  Not only do we have a high number of students that receive special funding but we also have a high number of students who do not meet government requirements for extra funding but need to be on a special program.  If you are interested in learning more about the Special Education program please read through HCOS Special Education brochure. 

Learning Disabilities that are not funded

Some students may have learning disabilities but the government does not recognize them for special funding.  This includes such common ones as ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, speech problems and written output delays.  If your child struggles in some way in meeting their grade level PLOs they may need an IEP. Please contact your Support Teacher for more information.

Individual Education Plan

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be adapted or modified. All qualifying Special Education students are on an IEP. An IEP explains why the regular education program needs to be modified or adapted. We work closely with the parent and other support team members in writing the IEP.

The SLP should make note of how the program is changed and say, “see written IEP.” All written IEP’s are filed at the HCOS office in the child’s file. There are two types of IEP:

• Adapted IEP – This is the most common one used.  They are following the PLOs for their grade but they may need someone to read them the material, write for them, or not cover the PLOs in depth.
• Modified IEP – When a child has this program they are not following the learning outcomes for their grade at all.  This is written only in special circumstances.

Graduating with an IEP

A child can still graduate with an Adapted IEP.  A child on an adapted IEP can write the provincial exams in grades 10 to 12, but if you know your child needs to have extra time, a reader or a scribe in order to write the exam, the office needs to know early in the year so they can get the proper documents to the government in time.

In September 2010, we started a Learning Services grad program.  Any student that has been referred to Carmen Timmermans and meets the criteria that has been established will be placed in this program for either one or two subjects or for all of the core subjects.  If you would like more info on this program, please contact Carmen at ctimmermans@onlineschool.ca or Sue Savard at ssavard@onlineschool.ca . 

Learning Services Program

We have a large number of students who struggle in certain areas of their education.  HCOS has developed a Learning Services program to help meet the needs of these students.  If you suspect your child would benefit from some extra help and advice with regards to their learning, please contact your support teacher with your concerns.  This support teacher will then contact Carmen Timmermans who is in charge of the LS program.  She will connect your support teacher to an LS teacher, who will then become part of the team, trying to find the best solution so that your child may find success in learning.