Learning Support
Depending on the identified need, support can be specifically targeted to individuals, groups, or entire cohorts. There are several funding streams that generate support. Funding influences the allocation, distribution, and duration of teacher aide hours.
The College currently employs permanent and non-permanent teacher aides.
The Learning Support Register is a document that lists and describes students who are identified as being neuro diverse. All staff have access to this document so that they may better understand and adjust their teaching practice to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Some students will enter the College with diagnostic reports provided by a psychologist or accredited assessor. The staff may identify other students as possibly not achieving to expectations and will refer the student for a LASS assessment.
Primarily, the LASS assessment is a dyslexia screening tool. However, the ‘Graphical Profile’ that the programme creates, provides a lot of information about a student’s learning strengths, challenges, and potential.
The College is also able to screen students for dyscalculia which a learning disorder that affects a person's ability to do Mathematics. Dyscalculia affects the brain areas that manages math- and number-related skills and understanding.
Usually, this is observed by staff and a referral is made. The outcomes of these screening assessments are shared with the student, staff and whanau.
An outcome of a student being identified as being neurodiverse might be the trialling of Special Assessment Conditions (SACs). At Ellesmere College, this starts in Year 7 and continues throughout the years so that when the student has important assessments in the senior school, they are confident and familiar with the process.
Depending on the student’s diagnosis and needs they may have access to a Reader/Writer/Computer/Separate Accommodation/Extra Time/Rest, Food or Drink Breaks.
SACs are provided to lessen the barrier that neurodiversity may present so that the student is able to achieve in keeping with their ability/potential.
Dianne Knops
Learning Support Coordinator/HELA Learning Support