In 2020, James Nash SHS will be implementing a number of changes in relation to our Structured Learning Department following the release of the Department's V1.1 Inclusive Education Policiy (IEP), updated 25 June 2018.
The Department of Education's (DoE) renewed Inclusive Education Policy (IEP) requires that all students identified under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) are to be supported to 'access and participate in a high quality education and fully engage in the curriculum along-side their similar-aged peers' (IEP). To find out more about the DDA, please visit https://www.nccd.edu.au/wider-support-materials/definitions-disability-and-nccd-categories.
James Nash State High School currently use the majority of resources provided by the DoE for inclusive education, to support only those students with a Verified Disability enrolled in the Structured Learning program. This support will now be more broadly distributed across the school to include all students with a disability.
As a result of distributing this support more broadly, students will be more empowered to, 'achieve academically and socially with reasonable adjustments and supports tailored to meet their learning needs' (IEP). This process will include a number of practical changes to commence January 2020.
Practical changes may include:
- Change of name from 'Structured Learning' to 'Student Support'
- Structured Learning staff distributed more widely across the school to better support students with a disability.
- The wider staff body further developing their knowledge of the impact of a disability and the reasonable adjustments and supports that are put in place to meet individual students' learning needs.
- Increased professional development for the whole school staff by Advisory Visiting Teachers who specialise in specific disabilities and inclusive education techniques.
- One 'Intensive Support' class (maximum size of 10 students) for each of Years 7, 8 and 9 to support students with the highest level literacy needs.
- One 'Focussed Class' (maximum size of 20 students) for each of Years 7, 8 and 9 to support students with the highest level of cognitive and social emotional needs.
- A safe and quiet area for students will now be located at the B Block courtyard. The B Block area will be developed as a calm sensory area and 'timeout' space.
In conclusion, we would like to remind you that this is a partnership and we welcome your feedback.