Creating Equitable Special Education Programs in Ontario Classrooms

Last month I had the opportunity of successfully completing the Special Education Part 1 Additional Qualification Course at the University of Toronto.

"Special Education Part 1 provides an overview of special education. This includes an introduction to the various exceptionalities, working with program planning and delivery challenges, awareness of assistive technology, classroom management skills, as well as knowledge of other issues related to teaching students with special needs in a variety of settings. This course will be of greatest interest to those teachers who wish to deepen their knowledge regarding exceptional students noting the Ministry of Education's move to greater inclusion. Participants leave the course with a number of valuable resources to enhance their teaching practice" (University of Toronto, 2016).

I decided to take this course because I wanted to learn more about the different types of disabilities and exceptionalities so that I could better support my current and future students. I also wanted to learn more about accommodations, modifications, and IEP development. This course most definitely allowed me to learn all of those things...and much more! I not only learned about the IEP, I had the opportunity of writing my own based on a case study. I learned about a variety of resources and assistive technology that are available to support our teaching, as well as to support our student's learning.

My Top 10 Key Takeaway Points:

1. Always create an equitable and inclusive learning environment
2. Education for ALL- no one gets left out
3. Accommodations and Modifications do not mean the same thing. "Accommodations change how a student learns the material and Modifications change what a student is taught or expected to learn" (understood.org). 
4. NEVER diagnose a child or tell parents you think their child may have an exceptionality. We are teachers, not doctors or psychologists.
5. If you suspect a hearing or visual impairment, you may ask the child's parents if they have had a hearing test/vision test and if not then you may suggest them to do so. Often times than not, the concern is diminished after one of those as the child may have just needed glasses or a hearing aid.
6. Equity is giving each child what they need to be successful (ie. wheelchair, large print, assistive technology, etc.) and Equality is giving all children the same thing (ie. desk, paper, pencils, etc.)
7. Collaboration is key! Everyone benefits (especially the child) when parents, teachers, support staff, and admin are working together towards a common goal of supporting the child
8. Children should have input in their learning and they can tell you what they need to help them
9. Parents and teachers are advocates for their students, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves. It is important to be knowledgable of available resources or at least have an understanding of where to obtain them.
10. Every child is different, they will have different strengths, needs, interests, and abilities (i.e.. what works for one child with Autism will not work for all).

Top 10 Special Education Resources:

#1. The Ministry of Education website

Contains an overview of: policies, funding, resources, roles and responsibilities, and Q&A

#2. York Region District School Board's Special Education Plan

Since I work for York Region District School Board I am showcasing this one but each school board has a detailed special education plan. York Region District School Board’s planning, program development and service delivery processes have a strong tradition of including students with special needs as an integral part of our culture. This tradition is based on a belief that every student can learn and succeed with appropriate accommodations and modifications that address individual strengths and needs. Vision for Special Education: "We recognize all learners as our learners and work together to ensure the discovery of potential each and every day"(YRDSB).

#3. The Ontario Human Rights Commission: Guidelines on Education

The Guidelines provide clarification with respect to the following areas: 

-the principles of accommodation 
-creating a welcoming environment for all students
-the accommodation process 
-Guidelines on accessible education 
-Ontario Human Rights Commission
-the right to confidentiality and the disclosure of information
-appropriate accommodation 
-accommodation planning
-the undue hardship standard
-Roles and responsibilities of those involved in the accommodation process. 

#4. The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)

Working together to support exceptional pupils under Ontario's Education Act, every exceptional pupil is entitled to special education programs and services which meet his or her needs. In York Region the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) plays a vital role in ensuring that exceptional pupils receive appropriate educational services.

#5. The Individual Education Plan (IEP) Resource Guide

This guide is intended to help teachers and others working with students with special needs to develop, implement, and monitor high-quality IEP's. A five-step process is recommended. Suggestions and examples are provided, but IEP's, by their very nature, will be individualized on the basis of the particular requirements of the student.

#6. Sample Individual Education Plans from EduGAINS

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are a critical tool in driving achievement and well-being for students with special education needs. Please find below samples to support educators when developing IEPs. The samples have been developed with and informed by consultations with educators and stakeholders.

#7. Spectronics Apps for Education: Apps for Special Education

These apps were specifically designed for use in Special Education but has also been used by students with diverse learning needs.

#8.  Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies: Augumentative and Alternative Communication Apps

This contains tools and strategies that can be used with people who have little or no speech. Both high-tech and low-tech options are available.

#9. Spectronics Learning Technologies: Apps for Literacy Support

10. Visual Aids for Learning

Visuals are a great tool for seeing and understanding. They allow children the time they need to process what they are being asked. They allow for identical rehearsal and consistent memory pathways to be created.

I have prepared 4 sets of visual aids for our class already: 

1. How are you feeling?
2. Health and Safety
3. Routines
4. Reminders

I have also compiled an ABC Chart for our class which was obtained from my Special Education AQ course resources. An ABC chart is an observational tool that allows us to record information about a particular behaviour. The aim of using an ABC chart is to better understand what the behaviour is communicating. 

A= Antecedants (the event that occurred before the behaviour)

B= Behaviours (a clear description of the behaviour that occurred)

C= Consequences (what occurred after the behaviour OR the consequence of the behaviour

The National Autistic Society has the template and samples available for you to download and review. They also contain sample interpretations and strategies so that you can observe how to analyze the findings in the ABC Chart as well as gain an idea of how to create and implement possible strategies. 

Note: Each child is different, they will react differently in various situations, and supports/stragies will look different for each child- This is more than okay! :)

Top Ten Children's Books:

Here are some book suggestions that I have found and ordered to use with my students. You will notice there is more of a focus on Autism, this is only because I have a student who has Autism in my class so there is more of a need for those books at this time. I have also included books about: physical disabilities, special needs as an overall focus, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impairment, down syndrome, and respect. There are many, many more children's books that I feel are beneficial and that I wish to obtain... but everything in moderation ;) 

1. Accept and Value Each Person by Cheri Meiners

Amazon Description:

The world is becoming more diverse, and so are the daily lives of our children. Accepting and valuing people and groups who are different from oneself and one's immediate family is a critical social skill. This book introduces diversity and related concepts: respecting differences, being inclusive, and appreciating people just the way they are. Includes questions, activities, and games that reinforce the ideas being taught" (Amazon).

2. Autism is...? by Ymkje Wideman

Amazon Description:

Logan overhears his grandma tell her friend he has autism, and he asks her, ”Autism is...?” She explains it to him in this beautifully illustrated story. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that, according to new statistics released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 29, 2014, affects an estimated 1 out of 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) in the US alone. It is a spectrum disorder because its impact on development can range from mild to severe. The areas of development most affected are social interaction and communication skills, difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, and leisure play. Someone wisely said, “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” The characteristics are different with each unique individual, and so are the ways to interact, teach, and care for them. You may or may not wish to explain the term autism to your child at a young age, but if you do, I hope this book can help make it easier for you, as it did for me when explaining autism to Logan. His inquisitive mind wanted to know, and once he read this story, even before it was illustrated, he was satisfied with the answer.

3. I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas

Amazon Description:

Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. This book will help children understand what autism is and how it affects someone who has it. A wonderful catalyst for discussion that will help children to better understand and support autistic classmates or siblings. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.

4. The Autism Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone With Autism by Ellen Sabin

Amazon Description:

The Autism Acceptance Book is an interactive, educational, and character-building book that introduces children to the challenges faced by people with autism while also supporting their personal journey toward appreciating and respecting people's differences.

5. The Special Needs Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin

Amazon Description:

The Special Needs Acceptance Book is an interactive, educational, and character-building book that introduces children to the challenges faced by people with special needs while also supporting their personal journey toward appreciating and respecting people's differences. This book offers educational information, conversation-starters, and engaging exercises that invite children to "walk in someone else's shoes" as they learn to treat others the same ways they would like to be treated themselves. The book covers a range of disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, blindness and deafness.

6. Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas

Amazon Description:

This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in this series for younger children explore emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Books are focused to appeal to kids of preschool through early school age. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers.

7. Julia's Words by Judith L. Roth

Amazon Description:

Christina, who can hear, meets Julia, a deaf girl, at a coastal campground. As she spends time with Julia, Christina gets a glimpse of what it might be like to be deaf. She also finds out there's more than one way to communicate, and that friendship is deeper than sound. For children ages 6-10 and their families. Teachers and others who work with deaf children will find this book educational.

8. Close Your Eyes by Michelle Friedman

Amazon Description:

One little girl who plays, learns, and has fun is just the same as all her friends-except that she cannot see. As she invites her friends and readers to close their eyes and see what she sees, the girl builds blocks, makes puppets with her socks, climbs a tree, rides a bike, and plays tag. She is having so much fun growing up. She teaches everyone around her that even though she is blind, she still has abilities, hopes, and dreams-even if she may have to do things in a different way. Close Your Eyes shares delightful rhymes and engaging illustrations to foster an understanding of what is possible for disabled children while encouraging acceptance of differences. "It is a hard concept for a young child to grasp that another child can't see, but your focus on the humanness and similarity between children keeps a balance." -Audra Kaplan, PsyD, clinical psychologist.

9. My Friend Has Down Syndrome by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos

Amazon Description:

The sensitively written Let’s Talk About It Books encourage preschool-age and early-grades children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own. Each title speaks to a particular concern that children might encounter in the course of growing up. All books in this series have appealing color illustrations on every page, and are available in both English and Spanish language editions. A short section at the back of each book offers related advice to parents. My Friend Has Down Syndrome explores this common chromosomal condition from a child’s perspective. Younger children may be confused and have many questions when they encounter kids who have Down syndrome. Here, in this reassuring story, two children, one with Down syndrome and one without, learn that they are both good at different things and that by helping each other overcome their fears and difficulties they can accomplish a great deal together.

10. Everyone Matters: A First Look at Respect for Others by Pat Thomas

Amazon Description:

Children learn that having respect means treating everyone fairly. But there are some types of respect that each person must earn for themselves--by keeping promises, by being honest in what they say and do, and being polite and respectful to others. Most important of all, boys and girls learn that people who are different deserve just as much respect as close friends. This new title in Barron's growing series of A First Look at . . . books is written especially for preschool and early-grades children. Books in this series feature sensitively written stories that encourage boys and girls to explore their feelings, face new challenges in their lives, and talk to trusted elders about how to deal with things that bother them. The books feature child-friendly color illustrations on every page. An advice to parents section appears at the end of each book.

This course offered a wealth of knowledge and many more key takeaways and resources. I can only mention a few here but there really is SO much more and I highly reccommend this course to ALL teachers!

Respect, kindness, and inclusivity is EVERYTHING! Your students won't remember everything you taught them...but they will remember how you made them feel.

Outdoor Education

“In the Kindergarten program, learning in the outdoors is included as part of the instructional day, and the educators play an active role, engaging with children in an inquiry stance as they play, explore, and learn together outside the classroom”
 (Ontario Kindergarten Program, 2016, p. 34). 

You may learn more about Outdoor Education as it pertains to Kindergarten, as well as obtain a copy of the New Kindergarten Program document from EduGAINS.

• Outdoor Exploration

We co-created a Nature Web with our students of all the possible ways we wished to explore learning in the outdoors.

We began with a Nature Walk as a whole group and then divided in to sub groups for the Scavenger Hunt. The students were able to collect artifacts from nature and record their findings. The students kept track of the artifacts collected in 4 different ways: checkmarks, tally marks, ABC'S, and 123'S. When asked how they counted their tracking we learned they were: counting using 1-1 correspondence, counting by 1's and 5's, addition and one used the tagging strategy. We posted some on the wall to showcase the different ways of thinking and the different strategies used. 

Within the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology I learned about this great activity where you take a group of students on a Nature walk and have them choose a spot. Next they place their hula hoop over the spot they wish to observe. Then they sit on their sit spots, observe the items in their circle, and draw what they see. We implemented this with our students and they had a blast! They also presented their findings to the class.

 "Teach the children to slow down and spend time and look around them. There is a whole new world"

 (Educator, Outdoor Learning in the Early Years-Beyond the Fence).

Within one of our Mathematics Professional Development Sessions in York Region District School Board, our Math Consultant Heather Jelley shared this lovely learning experience with us! You may take small groups of children or whole groups and assign a child to be the photographer. They take pictures of the math they see in Nature. When you return to the classroom you show the picture to the whole group and ask the children: what math do you see? and record their responses i.e. "I see the number 3, the leaf looks like a 3". At this time you may also record what their math wonders are i.e. "I wonder how many green leaves there are in the picture?" From there you can work with the children to determine possible strategies for solving the math wonder! Such a great learning experience which can also be applied to other subject areas. Books that we used to provide our students with ideas of finding math can be found under "Top 3 Children's books" below.

We read the story "Tap the Magic Tree" and then invited small groups of children on a walk to the nearby forest to collect some artifacts from nature. When we brought them back the children had an opportunity to sort the materials into different bowls (Connection to Mathematics). Once sorted, I set up the provocation and invited students to create either representations of the trees or what ever they wish (Connection to Visual Arts). Many of them chose to create a representation of trees and I have showcased one for each of the seasons, just like in the book! Some of them also decided to draw their representation and label it (Connection to Literacy). Math can also be seen in these photos!

"The outdoor world provides an abundance of resources and materials for supporting learning through the arts" 

(The Full Day Early Learning Kindergarten Program, 2010-2011, p.17)

Throughout the Spring we continued to re-visit Nature and extend our learning in different ways, through many subject areas. I partnered with Chrysanthos Colour Company to showcase the many ways in which their Trigeod Colour Wheel Puzzle could be used. One activity we implemented was: Finding Colours in Nature. We invited small groups of students on a nature walk and collected as many artifacts we could find that contained the same colours as the Colour Wheel did. After that, we brought everything to the Kindergarten yard table and sorted each of the artifacts according to colour (Math and Visual Arts connection).

Visit their website to learn more about the Colour Wheel or to purchase your own!

• Leadership Opportunity

Trista Dutt, Lucas Serper, and I had the opportunity to co-facilitate an Outdoor Learning Session within York Region District School Board called Beyond The Fence: The Art of Nature (Resource provided below under Teacher Resources). 

Set up of the Visual Arts learning opportunities and materials we provided.

We provided the educators with a variety of resources and connected our learning opportunities to the York Region District School Board Modern Learning Framework. We offered opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and communication that were flexible in structure (open-ended), and fostered a sense of community, innovation, and growth mindset!

We also connected our learning opportunities to the York Region District School Board Mental Health Strategy. "To help a child self-regulate, we need to consider what stressors in life may be causing behaviours. A visit to the outdoors/nature could help to calm these emotions and assist self-regulation" (Outdoor Learning in the Early Years- Beyond the Fence). Many of our participants made the connection between relaxation and sense of calm with being outdoors.

Samples of the beautiful art pieces created by Educators who participated in our Outdoor Learning Session.

It truly was a great teaching and learning experience!

• Top 3 Teacher Resources

1. Environmental Education Curriculum Document

Click here to obtain this document

This resource document has been prepared to assist teachers in bringing environmental education into the classroom in each subject area in Grades 1 to 8 and Kindergarten programs. In the elementary curriculum, most of the expectations connected explicitly with aspects of environmental education are found in the science and technology curriculum and the social studies, history, and geography curriculum. In other subject areas, connections can be made to environmental topics or issues in various ways, and some suggestions for making such connections are given in brief comments.

2. Outdoor Learning in the Early Years: Beyond The Fence Resource

Click here to obtain this document

"Outdoor learning experiences are becoming increasingly recognized as an integral component of early learning programs. These experiences support children's social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic development. Educators are encouraged to consider outdoor spaces, bother within and beyond the fence, as an extension of the classroom. These spaces can serve as a context for children's authentic observations, questions and wonderings which may develop into rich opportunities for further inquiry" (YRDSB).

3. Project WILD & Below Zero

Click here to find out more information and register for workshops

These workshops and resources are provided by the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

• Hands-on workshops where educators learn how to integrate activities into all subjects.
• Activity guides featuring more than 150 hands-on, pedagogically proven lesson plans.
• Program activities that progress from awareness and appreciation to action.

• Top 3 Children’s Books

1. Alphabet Everywhere by Elliot Kaufman

To purchase this book please click here

"There is a world of letters just waiting to be discovered in the world around us -- if we know how to look for it. In this engaging and delightful book, photographer Elliott Kaufman reveals the "secret" life of the alphabet through his photographs, showing how letters can be found in things we encounter everyday. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by multiple images, each unintentionally created by the intersection of architectural details, shadows, light, or natural elements as caught by Kaufman's keen eye. Some are obvious, while others demand a little more imagination to recognize, inviting the readers to start their own game of hunting for letters! This fun approach also reinforces the notion that learning to see the familiar in new ways encourages visual literacy and creativity" (Amazon).

To purchase this book click here

2. Numbers Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman

"As in Alphabet Everywhere, where there was a world of letters just waiting to be discovered, Numbers Everywhere reveals how digits and mathematical symbols can be found in the world around us—if we know how to look for them. In this engaging and delightful book, Kaufman reveals the "secret" life of numbers through his photographs, showing how they can be found in things we encounter everyday. Each number is represented by multiple images, unintentionally created by the intersection of architectural details, shadows, light, or natural elements as caught by the photographer’s keen eye. In “addition"… Numbers Everywhere includes “formulas” for budding mathematicians to solve. This fun approach also reinforces the notion that learning to see the familiar in new ways encourages visual literacy and creativity" (Amazon).

3. Tap the Magic Tree

To purchase this book click here

"Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical!

It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time!" (Amazon).

Follow the author Christie Matheson on Instagram and learn more about her new book called: Plant the Tiny Seed!

4. Earth Dance

To purchase this book click here

I couldn't resist, there are so many more beneficial children’s books relating to this topic but I had to share one more. Earth Dance is a book that came out when I was in Kindergarten and this year I shared it with our Kindergarten students so it came full circle. Earth Dance is a great book to connect children to nature. The children made many text-to-text and text-to-self connections and their predictions were out of this world!

• Additional Resources

For additional resources pertaining to outdoor education please visit my Pinterest account under Outdoor Education. Also visit the Health and Physical Education board as it shares some resources that can be implemented outdoors and describes health benefits for being physically active and improving ones physical literacy. You may also visit my Instagram account to see the work I do with my students on a daily basis and to obtain information and resources on a variety of topics in Education.

• Benefits of Nature

 🌿children are happier 🌿sparks creativity and imaginative play 🌿stress and anxiety decreases 🌿children are heathier because they are more active 🌿increased alertness and ready for learning 🌿increased critical thinking 🌿increased self-regulation 🌿increased self-confidence 🌿increased connection and empathy 

(YRDSB Beyond the Fence, 2016). 

"Educators can create contexts that engage children by designing indoor and outdoor learning environments that spark curiosity, invite investigation, and provide challenges that are responsive to individual capabilities to help children extend the boundaries of their learning" 

(How Does Learning Happen?, 2014, p.37)

Please visit Trista Dutt of KindieKorner as well as Lucas Serper of PlayCreateInquire to learn more about their outdoor learning initiatives and programming!

Ontario Focused Intervention Program (OFIP)

Description of Program

“OFIP Tutoring supports school boards in initiating or extending programs that help students in Grades JK to 6 to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills beyond the regular school day. This includes programs such as before and after-school tutoring, homework clubs and cultural programs that focus on literacy and numeracy skill development. Partnerships with existing community-based programs that provide tutoring for students are encouraged” (Ministry of Education, 2016).

The Process

Trista Dutt (my teaching partner) approached me to be part of this wonderful learning opportunity as one of 6 educators to implement the OFIP tutoring program in Moraine Hills Public School for our Senior Kindergarten Students. We then created a Proposal that outlined different learning opportunities and how we were going to assess learning, communicate with students/parents, etc. After conducting observations and assessments in the area of Literacy, we developed a program that aimed to support and strengthen Literacy skills based on students’ individual needs. 

My Role

• To support students with their literacy development in providing them with a variety of play-based learning opportunities

• To conduct Assessments: PM Benchmarks, Guided Reading, Anecdotal Observations, etc.

• To communicate with parents and teachers about the students’ progress/strengths/needs

• To collaborate with co-teachers and shared lesson planning

• To model and encourage a Growth Mindset!

Reflection

Overall, I felt that this was a great learning opportunity, not only for my students but for myself as well. I was able to further strengthen my communication skills, organization skills, planning and assessment skills, observation and documentation skills, as well as instructional strategies. I was overjoyed to observe the process of my students as they achieved so much in such a little time (2 month period, 3 times per week). This experience truly showed me that focused support and differentiated instruction that is tailored to your student’s individual strengths, needs, and interests improves academic achievement. It also strengthened my belief that a Growth Mindset is key to all learning and well-being. In the beginning, I had students saying, “why am I here?” “I can’t do that” “I can’t read that” “I cant spell that”. After modelling a Growth Mindset and fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive learning community, my students began to say, “Look, Ms. Marcelli, I can do it!” “I can read that word and I used the stretching out strategy” “I sounded out the letters and chunked the words” “That word is part of the ing family” “I can make a text to self connection”. The words “I can’t” were replaced with “I can”, followed by examples of “heres how I did it”. I was utterly impressed and proud of my students and how far they have come, not only academically, but within their over-all well-being and mindset as well.

Resonating Video

There are many inspiring quotes and videos but I really enjoy watching TEDTalk videos and I have found one that highlights the benefits of a growth mindset through sound research and thought I would share! A few main points I took away from this video were:

• Abilities can be developed
• We all learn from mistakes and embrace the yet
• People who have a growth mindset responds well to challenges
• When educators create growth mindset environments, equality happens
• When the process is praised and encouraged it provides students with a greater confidence, persistence, greater use of strategies, and the power of positivity
• Growth mindsets ignite the power of learning- neutrons in the brain form stronger connections

I hope you enjoyed reading about how myself and a team of educators have implemented the OFIP Tutoring program in our school and how much the students gained from this experience. Growth Mindsets were encouraged throughout the process, which allowed our students to re-frame their thinking from "I can't" to "I can" and I will continue to embrace Growth Mindsets within any learning community I am part of!

Click here to read more about the program from Trista Dutt of KindieKorner!