Engaging Parents: Sharing Best Practices for Parent Engagement in NPSC.SEAC

1. Engaging Parents : Our NPSC SEAC Journey Sharing of Best Practices SEAC Provincial Conference May 2, 2015 Marie Derosier, Vice – Chair, NPSC SEAC Paula Mann – Superintendent of Education R o o t e d I n F a i t h • A l i v e I n S p i r i t

2. Our Agenda Board Profile Highlights of the SEAC Parent Engagement Survey Parent Engagement Roundtable SEAC Communique SEAC Action Planning Process Annual Carousel Evening R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

3. NPSC SEAC: Who We Are Darlene Brooks: Chair, Community Living North Bay Marie Derosier: Vice-Chair, Learning Disabilities Association, North Bay and Area Brenda Restoule: Nipissing First Nation Representative Jeannie Boissoneault: Nipissing Down Syndrome Society Mary Duquette: Children’s Aid Society, District of Nipissing and Parry Sound Dr. Mary Grise: Parent Representative Kelly Van Buskirk: Parent Representative R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

4. NPSC SEAC: Who We Are Barbara McCool: School Board Chair George Whittet: Trustee Theresa Bitonti: Special Education Coordinator Jennifer Palangio: Secondary Special Education Curriculum Lead Paula Mann, Superintendent of Education R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

5. NPSC ENDS Guide Our Work: 1.Students develop their Catholic faith. 2. Students acquire the necessary attitudes to lead a positive and healthy life. 3. Students are responsible, respectful and caring stewards of their world. 4. Students have knowledge and skills appropriate to their age and learning ability, to reach their full potential. R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

6. Special EducationOur Philosophy of Programs and Services • NPSC is committed to creating stimulating and nurturing learning environments for all students entrusted to its care. • Our Catholic school community respects, builds upon, and indeed celebrates the uniqueness of the individual, who is created in God’s image. • When specialized learning is required, our shared faith vision manifests in the integration of exceptional students in an atmosphere of loving acceptance, shared responsibility and continuous support. • A recognition that students with special needs are more like other students than unlike them, and a focus on abilities rather than disabilities, is the primary focus in our Catholic schools. R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

7. Learning For All – Meeting The Needs Of All Of Our Students Special Education Advisory Director Senior Administration Committee Principals Educational Classroom Assistants Teachers Parents Volunteers Students Peers Special Education Teacher ChurchHealth and Social Services Partners Classroom Resource Teacher Speech and Language Pathologist/CDA Coordinator of Special Education Behaviour Manager Support Teaching & Learning Through Technology Community Agencies First Nation, Metis and Inuit Community R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

8. NPSC Board Profile 11 elementary Catholic schools 1 secondary Catholic School 5 municipalities (North Bay, Callander, Powassan, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa) R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

9. Students With Special Education Needs Elementary: 22% Secondary: 29% Board Average: 24% R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

10. SEAC Parent Engagement Phase I: Survey Fall 2013 In October 2013, each of our elementary and secondary school(s) were invited to complete our SEAC Parent Engagement Survey. R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

11. SEAC Parent Engagement Survey Four Areas of Priority: Identification, Placement and Review Process (IPRC) Individual Education Plan (IEP) Communication Technology R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

12. Profile of Students R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

13. Length of Time Receiving Special Education Services R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

14. Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) Process R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

15. The Individual Education Plan (IEP): Helps Me Understand My Child’s Learning Needs R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

16. The Special Education Guide For Parents R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

17. Communication R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

18. Technology:74% of parents feel their child’s program is supported through technology at school R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

19. Overall Themes and Trends: Supporting Students and Resources Transitioning Communication Staff Professional Development Parent Learning Opportunities R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

20. IPRC Process: What Is Working Well? Process allows for team approach to support student(s) Community / Therapist Involvement Helps the transition from elementary to secondary R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

21. IPRC Process: How Can We Improve? Ensure there is time for parent input Ensure student profile is reviewed with the IPRC committee Review the assessment wait list time R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

22. IEP Process: What is Working Well? IEP allows for communication between parent and teacher Opportunity for parent input including meetings to review implementation, goals and strategiesthroughout the school year Accommodations are included and clear R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

23. IEP Process: How Can We Improve? Use parent friendly language Focus on staff development on special education needs and strategy implementation Provide increased support for students R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

24. Communication: What is Working Well? Different forms of regular communication work well for parents. (i.e. agenda, communication book, personal phone calls, face to face meetings, emails) Timely responses and teacher contact regarding special needs Positive relationships with Teachers, EAs, Principals R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

25. Communication: How Can We Improve? NPSC Parent Guide – make more clear to parents Parent friendly language Continue regular contact with parents R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

26. Technology: What is working well? Variety of technology and programs are available: iPAD, iPOD, laptops, specific software applications, literacy programs and APPS Students like to learn with technology and this is available Involving agencies for training on specific programs R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

27. Technology: How Can We Improve? Provide more parent information about the technology, how they can assist, support and opportunities to discuss technology with staff Continue staff development and training in this area Student training for specific programs and technology R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

28. SEAC Parent Roundtable April 2014: Modelled from Board of Trustees Ownership Linkage sessions (Policy Governance) Invitations to representatives of NPSC parents. SEAC members acted as facilitators through group discussion of key. Input gathered, analyzed and informed SEAC Priority Action Plan R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

29. SEAC Parent Roundtable Discussion Questions 1. If we were meeting ten years from now and we were looking back on the last 10 years, what would you like to be able to say was beneficial to our students because of the Special Education Programs and Services provided by the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board? 2. When considering our NPSC Special Education Programs and Services that we currently offer, please provide your top priority and an example of what is working well? R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

30. SEAC Parent Roundtable Discussion Questions 3. When considering our NPSC Special Education Programs and Services that we currently offer, please provide your top priority and an example of how we can improve? 4. Regular and on-going communication is essential for your child’s success.  From your experience, what do you see as effective and strong communication strategies? R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

31. SEAC Parent RoundtableDiscussion Questions 5. The role of our NPSC Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) to is act as an advisory body with respect to the development and delivery of special education programs and services.  Please provide your ideas and feedback on how SEAC can further support the education of students with special education needs at the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board. 6. Are there any other ideas or comments you would like to add at this time? R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

32. Our Next Steps: Feedback shared with board, principals and school staff. NPSC Parent Guide Review. Carousel Evening workshops reviewed to meet feedback needs. Review all input as we review and plan special education programs and services. Developed and distributed a SEAC Communique. Developed a Staff Engagement Survey 14-15 and will develop a student survey 15-16 R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

33. R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

34. NPSC Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)Annual Carousel Evening • NPSC SEAC’s Annual Parent Engagement Event • 15th Anniversary (2000 -2015) • Provides parents, educators and community partners with an opportunity to learn in the area of Special Education. • Engagement with local community partners and pediatricians. • Collaboration with NPSC Parent Involvement Committee since 2013 R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

35. Featured Carousel Themes: Fostering Happy, Healthy and Whole Children. • Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Kids. • Learning Differences • Fostering Collaboration • Inclusion R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

36. Featured Keynote Speakers 2013 – Dr. Adele Lafrance Rich (Laurentian University) 2014 – Dr. Bruce Ferguson (Sick Kids Hospital) 2015 – Dr. Julie Corkett (Nipissing University) R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

37. Featured Workshop Topics • Self – Regulation • Anxiety • Transitions • A Parent Perspective • Supporting Autism • Learning Differences • Literacy • Numeracy • Integration of Technology R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t

38. Questions? Thank you for your participation! R o o t e d I n F a i t h •A l i v e I n S p i r i t