Identify

In the first two weeks of the school year:

• The Instruction Coach coordinates placement testing of kindergarten students.
• The Instruction Coach provides students and the teacher with Placement Test results.
• The Instruction Coach advises the Head of Wellbeing when students’ results indicate potential learning difficulties or disabilities.
• The Head of Wellbeing ensures that kindergarten follows the full Special Needs process.

Assessment for Students Enrolling in School

Students join a neighbourhood school throughout the school year. Enrolment includes the school and family sharing information about the student’s special needs or disabilities.

• The Head of Campus locates and reviews students’ past school records to identify existing disabilities and previous supports and add them to the Student Past Learning History.
• The Head of Campus meets with family and completes the parent section of the Student Past Learning History. 
• The Head of School synthesises data into the Student Profile.
• The Instruction Coach administers a Placement Test or in-program assessment to students to determine their academic skills and identify concerns.
• The Instruction Coach provides the Head of Wellbeing with the Placement Test results of any student indicating a learning concern.
• The Head of Wellbeing shares the Placement Test with Teacher and advises them to observe the student. 

Observe Students to Identify Additional Needs

A student may present with learning difficulty at any time throughout their primary schooling. The Teacher is always monitoring to ensure students are progressing at expected rates. The Teacher has identified concerns so promptly acts.

• The Teacher uses a Student Observation Form to assess the student.
• The Teacher collates results from the Student Observation Form and Placement Test.
• The Teacher notes the student:
  • is not showing signs of a learning difficulty so ends the process
  • is struggling in certain areas so continues with the process.
• The Teacher meets with parents to share the student data and advise on learning concerns.
• The Teacher provides parents with the Identifying Student Learning Needs brochure.
• The Teacher updates the Student Profile.

Establishment of Student Support Team

The Teacher coordinates the formal involvement of experts and parents to ensure that the most appropriate people are supporting the student.

• The Teacher drafts the proposed list of support team members.
• The Teacher shares list with Head of Wellbeing.
• The Teacher discusses support group with parents and confirms membership.
• The Teacher notifies support team members.