Learning Assistance Teacher
The learning assistance teacher (LAT) provides school-based and non-categorical services designed to support students with mild to moderate learning difficulties. The learning assistance teacher is a school-based teacher. These services may include school-based consultation, collaborative planning and coordination of the school-based team. Learning assistance teachers provide assessment and evaluation of student skills through Level B assessment and provide subsequent remediation and instruction. Through assessment and collaboration, the LAT plays an active role in working with teachers to develop and implement student learning plans and competency-based individualized education plans for students with learning difficulties. As a member of the school-based team, the LAT provides collaborative consultation, assists with pre-referral interventions and works closely with teachers and school-based team members to plan for, organize and access district level services for students with diverse abilities and disabilities.
How do students access the services of a learning assistance teacher?
Student support in a particular school is based on the following:
- an initial referral by the classroom teacher(s);
- consultation with the parents/guardians;
- collaborative problem solving by the school-based team, LAT or District support staff. The team will work closely with parents to determine a plan to support the student.
What services are provided by the learning assistance teacher?
The services and supports provided by the learning assistance may include:
- teaching students to develop learning strategies and skills in literacy, math and other curricular areas.
- instructional services such as providing 1:1, small group instruction, in class support or out of class support for
- skill development and remediation in literacy and math
- development of compensatory skills and strategies to support academic learning and self-advocacy
- collaboration with the classroom teacher to assess learning needs, recommend instructional strategies, structures and resources, support the implementation of student learning plans and competency based individual education plans (CBIEP) for students with learning challenges and learning disabilities.
- serving as the case manager for students with learning disabilities and giftedness. This includes developing a team of parents/guardians, and school staff to identify personalized CBIEP goals, strategies and accommodations for a student with a learning disability. The LAT supports the classroom teacher with the implementation, assessment and evaluation of the CBIEP throughout the student's school year.