That the agenda of the May 13, 2015, Special Education Advisory Committee meeting, be approved. - Carried -

Transcription

1 A meeting of the Special Education Advisory Committee was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Cambridge Room, Education Centre, with the following members in attendance: Trustee members: John Hendry, Cindy Watson Association Members: Tina Blanchette, Dawn Clelland, Mary Cunningham, Sarah Drexler, Graham Dunn, Janine Oosterveld, Kris Pryke, Katherine Waybrant Association Alternates: Kristina Campbell, Jennifer Checkley, Marianne Domm, Liz Nickason Non-Association Members: Colleen Borman, Frank Johnson, Kevin Rempel, Amy Tupling Board Staff in attendance: Stuart Cross, Scott R. Miller, Karin Sonnenberg Regrets: Elaine Brown, Molly Fortier, Elaine Ranney, Angela Sider, Guests: Andrea Idika CALL TO ORDER SEAC Chair K. Pryke called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 1. Moved by D. Clelland, seconded by Tina Blanchette: That the agenda of the May 13, 2015, Special Education Advisory Committee meeting, be approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Moved by S. Drexler, seconded by J. Checkley: That the minutes of the April 8, 2015, Special Education Advisory Committee meeting, be approved. Special Presentation Chair K. Pryke informed SEAC members that our Board was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Government of Ontario, signed by Minister Liz Sandals at the May 2, 2015 SEAC conference. She asked if the certificate could be framed and hung in the Board Room. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES S. Cross, System Administrator Special Education provided a follow up on the discussion regarding field trips involving special needs students forms have been edited as discussed. Ed Council has approved the changes

2 S. Cross suggested that a line be added to procedure stating that if multiple or alternate buses are used, to ensure that no student travel alone. Looking at purchasing portable lifts to assist students when travelling to locations that don t have one. D. Clelland is on an Accessibility Committee and suggested that members read about the strategic plan for accessibility for special needs students. SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATE Budget Update S. Miller, Assistant (to) Superintendent of Education Special Education, gave an overview of the Special Education budget with a power point presentation (see attached Spec Ed PP.pdf) that explained the funding model. A handout was distributed to members explaining the High Needs Amount (HNA) grant. S. Miller fielded questions and comments. Members divided into small groups to discuss budget priorities and then presented their suggestions to the committee. Some of the priorities highlighted were: More PD for teachers combine and offer training for teachers and EA s that work together Neuro behavioural approach to training More EA s in classroom Continue with the different therapies Universal screening for gifted children Early screening in JK/SK Survey for parents More teacher resources with universal design manipulatives to include all kinds of learners Positive social skills to be taught Mental Health training supporting anxiety and other disabilities Training how to support physical challenges S. Miller collected all suggestions and will take them under consideration. He asked members to consider what kind of PD they would like provided? What kind of supports would you want to see? M. Cunningham suggested PD around what to look for if a child has brain based injury and how to deal with it. May 2, 2105 Provincial SEAC Conference Reflection S. Miller showed a Ted Talk video featuring Drew Dudley Leading with Lollipops about leadership. S. Miller related it to how we can all make a difference. Representatives that attended the conference gave a brief synopsis of what they observed and took away from the experience

3 Cindy Watson Provided a handout about parent surveys see attached C Watson conference.pdf Dawn Clelland a lot of money spent to have this conference. Showed that our work is respected. Conference was very worthwhile. Attended a session that talked about advocacy that was interesting. Katherine Waybrant How to be an effective SEAC we have a great SEAC but we need to continue to discuss difficult issues. Kris Pryke interesting to talk to other SEAC s from other boards and how they re organized. Appreciates how our SEAC is represented. A form completed by every member at end of year she would like to have that here Start, Stop, Continue conversation. Kristina Campbell be more appreciative for what a label can accomplish. Imperative to represent our organizations in SEAC not just ourselves. Marianne Domm Importance of networking, locally and provincially. It is possible to make a special education plan more parent friendly. Mary Cunningham great networking opportunity, spoke to many participants about FASD Great examples of parent involvement from Thames Valley Board Scott Miller exciting time for Special Education in Ontario. Interesting to hear other boards speak. Important for all SEAC members to have a voice. Importance of transparency. Opportunities to work with other groups PIC, MACSE Tina Blanchette see attached TBlanchetteconference.pdf Angela Sider will present at June meeting. OTHER BUSINESS K Waybrant belongs to Adminstrative Justice support network supports parents in different areas and provides the information to parents that they need. See website at Will IPRC s continue during labour dispute? S. Miller informed members that at this time, if an IPRC has been scheduled during the school day, it will still take place. MOTION TO ADD ANDREA IDIKA AS THE ALTERNATE FOR THE WATERLOO REGION FAMILY NETWORK 3. Moved by S. Drexler, seconded by D. Clelland: That Andrea Idika be added as the alternate for the Waterloo Region Family Network

4 ROUND TABLE ASSOCIATION REPORTS Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (J. Checkley) OFCP annual meeting is on Saturday June 6. Award nominations for various scholarships, volunteer of distinction and outstanding teacher due Friday July 3 Details can be found on OFCP website (K. Waybrant) A new support group called The Administrative Justice Support Network (AJSN) is available to support families/students to feel competent and confident to proceed with an appeal before an administrative board or tribunal such as a Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB) or the Ontario Special Education Tribunal (OSET), whether or not they have legal representation. The website, provides in depth information on selected boards and tribunals, links to additional information, and information on where to find more specific legal advice or legal representation. Waterloo Regional Down Syndrome Society (J. Oosterveld) WRDSS hosts its annual Summer Picnic on Sunday, June 14th. This is one of our main social events for our member families to connect with one another. The next day, on Monday, June 15th, we are hosting the Upside Down Golf Tournament at Conestoga Golf Course. This is a really fun event that provides an opportunity for awareness of the amazing abilities of our selfadvocates (some play in the tournament and others perform in the Buddy Choir). It is also one of our primary fundraisers to support our various programs and services. All are welcome to register for this event (see attached flyer or wrdss.ca). TRUSTEE REPORT No trustee report. CHAIR REPORT Chair K. Pryke informed members that she is receiving correspondence from other boards regarding letters of support for previously discussed issues discussed at SEAC meetings. ABC Ontario drafted a response to special needs strategy. Chair K. Pryke can provide it for your reading pleasure if interested. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next SEAC meeting date is Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m., in the Cambridge Room, Education Centre

5 ADJOURNMENT 3. Moved by S Drexler, seconded by L Nickason : That the Special Education Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned. - Carried The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m