WELCOME to the Chinooks Edge Educational Assistant PD conference!

1. WELCOME to the Chinooks Edge Educational Assistant PD conference!

2. THANK YOU!! • Innisfail High School • Presenters • Student Services Team • And…ALL of you for coming and being active participants today!

3. Purpose of Today? • Appreciate how important your role is in accomplishing our ‘new’ Mission and Vision in CESD and the Quality Learning Environment (QLE) • Learn about ‘Action on Inclusion’ – and potential impact on the role of an EA • Validate the excellent work you are doing with students • Network with others – renew friendships and make new friendships • Enhance your skills and knowledge • Learn new strategies and techniques • Have some FUN! 

4. It is important to stay ‘FOCUSED’…and keep our ‘EYES’ on the ‘TARGET’…

5. Mission & Vision Statements • Motto confirmed - Where Students Come First • Mission - Chinook’s Edge School Division will engageevery student in meaningful learning by challenging, encouraging and believing in them. • Vision - Chinook’s Edge School Division will be universally recognized as a collaborative learning community where learning is personalized for all students to achieve success as compassionate and innovative global citizens.

6. Quality Learning Environment (QLE)

7. Building the QLE • A Made in Chinook’s Edge Model with feedback from: • AISI Leaders, • Special Education Liaisons, • ADCOS, • Teachers Matter Committee, • School Staffs, • Public Consultation – April/May

8. Understanding the QLE • It is a reflective tool that helps education staff plan for their own growth as individuals (personalize) {in teams, with admin support} • It provides us all with a common language • It validates the great teaching we already have • It provides a shared understanding of the core principles around quality instruction inChinook’s Edge

9. Understanding the QLE • It aligns our current work with new initiatives • It supports the work of our instructional leaders • It brings the Mission and Vision to life • It supports a long term strategy in Chinook’s Edge where we strive for continuous improvement

10. THE ‘QLE’ and Role of EA’s • Become involved in the implementation and enhancement of ‘Quality Learning Environments’ in your school • You may want to specifically focus on: • Culture of Inclusion • Instructional Strategies • Literacy and Numeracy • Personalization • Collaborative Learning Communities • Student Engagement • Relationships • Gathering Data for Research

11. ACTION ON INCLUSION “PROVINCIAL CONTEXT” • This video was shown at the Alberta Education – Provincial – “Action on Inclusion” Meeting on Friday, Jan 13th. • Diversity in Alberta Schools: A Journey to Inclusion – YouTube

12. ACTION ON INCLUSION

13. Implications of ‘Action on Inclusion’ • Where have we been (CESD Context)? • 2010 – new Superintendent • staff survey/visits and work of ‘Guiding Coalition’ • These efforts resulted in a new Mission and Vision for CESD • Implications for Future: • New “Mission and Vision” drive us to ensure ALL students achieve success and EVERY student is engaged in high “Quality Learning Environments” • Development of “Quality Learning Environment”(QLE) Framework • Development of ‘Continuum of Supports for Every Learner’ • GOOD NEWS: Excellent ‘Alignment’ between “Action on Inclusion” and “Future Directions” in CESD.

14. The most appropriate label is usually the one people’s parents have given them

15. Implications of ‘Action on Inclusion’

16. ACTION ON INCLUSIONIMPLICATIONS for THE ‘EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT’

17. Anatomy of an effective ‘EA’

18. CLOSING COMMENTS • COMMUNICATE…COMMUNICATE…COMMUNICATE • Creative Problem Solving • Explore the problem • Generate ideas • Prepare for Action • Build a Network of Support • Grade level group • Other EA’s or Support staff • Take CARE of YOURSELF first – and OTHERS will benefit! • Know that YOU Make a DIFFERENCE! • “Student Support Credo”

19. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!!