The Learning Disabilities Intervention Program provides students with intensive services in small group environments. Students are provided with explicit individualized support which is continually adjusted to provide responsive intervention. Level B assessment data is collected to inform programming. Collaboration with school-based professionals and parents to create this tier/level of intervention is an important component to providing this support.
The priority is to provide programming, based on student need, incorporating academic, social, emotional, and global learning strategies in a safe learning environment.
Located in 9 schools across the district. The program provides direct and indirect services to 31 elementary schools and 4 middle schools, with additional consultation with 2 middle schools.
Program Format
Learning Disabilities Teachers:
- assess and provide extensive, research-based intervention in reading skills and strategies for students in gr. 3-9
- consult with learning assistance teachers, classroom teachers, administrators, Inclusive Education staff and school-based teams
- consult with parents/guardians regarding student progress and support for continued reading development
- draw on numerous programs and approaches, students are engaged in individualized programs that are responsive to their needs
How do students access this service?
Based on referral to the school-based team, students will be considered for this service:
- meet the Ministry of Education Criteria for a Learning Disability designation; or are at risk of having a learning disability
- have an Competency Individual Educational Plan (CBIEP) or documentation of adaptations and/or support
- are currently in grades 3-9 with a history of persistent difficulty acquiring basic literacy skills despite extensive intervention
- are performing well-below grade level expectations in literacy
Referral Process:
1) Following School Based discussion and communication with parents, LATs refer potential candidates to the LD program
2) Following parental consent, LD teachers do a comprehensive file review and assess students to determine acceptance on a session to session basis
What are the qualifications of a Learning Disabilities Teachers?
- certification from the BC College of teachers
- fulfill qualifications for learning assistance teachers (LAT); refer to BC Ministry of Education and SD23 (Central Okanagan) Regulation 505R
- minimum of five years of classroom teaching experience
- advanced training in assessment and remediation of reading/learning difficulties
- Master’s degree in Reading Intervention or related discipline
