a process of increasing the participation of children with impairments and disabilities in the educational programs and social life of regular schools in which their peers without disabilities participate
a process of maintaining the participation of all children in the educational programs and social life of regular schools
effectively assist students to overcome the effects of poverty, handicap or other disadvantages
enable all students to learn to work with other members of the school community in sharing and reflecting on experience together.
Definitions
Disabled: A disabled child means a child impaired to an extent that the child's educational, social and emotional progress will only be maximised if supported by special educational provisions and/or related services.
Integration: Integration means incorporation within the mainstream school, while providing the most appropriate education for each child in the least restrictive setting and ensuring the maximum useful association between disabled children and others to their mutual advantage.
Program Support Group
assess the educational requirements of the child
assess the resources available in the school
identify additional resources and educational requirements if necessary
make recommendations to the School Council, on educational resources needed to meet the educational requirements of children with impairments, disabilities or problems in schooling
meet regularly or as required at the request of the parent or the school to:
- review the progress of the child
- deal with practical problems relating to integration into the school.
Each enrolment of a disabled child will be processed by the Program Support Group (PSG) to ensure that the following resources will be at a level adequate to service each proposed integration.
teacher expertise
teacher/child ratio
teaching aids and equipment
physical environment
consulting advisors from support areas of D.E.&T as required in relation to the specific needs of each child
time per child ratio
sufficient support and time relief for the classroom teacher
ancillary staff with expertise within the school
transport to and from school as well as intra-school movement
the Principal is to discuss policy with the parents
the Principal ascertains from the parents the nature of the disability and what assessments and recommendations (if any), had been made by qualified people as to an appropriate educational setting for the child
if there has been no assessment it may be necessary to seek assessment by a Guidance Officer (parental consent is required for this assessment). In either case, all relevant information must be obtained
the Principal shall notify the appropriate Regional General Manager of the enrolment application
Parents should be given the opportunity to meet with the Integration Support Group to discuss the possible enrolment. The PSG may wish to make arrangements to observe the child
on the basis of information obtained the PSG makes recommendations to, and consults with, the school staff on such matters as enrolment, additional resources required, teacher preparation, placement of child
in consultation with the parents an agreement is negotiated on such points as-
– commencement date (this may have to be delayed until adequate preparation is made)
– hours of attendance
– placement
– educational programs
– trial period
– assessment procedures
– parental involvement
The above points are negotiable and rely on the goodwill of all concerned parties. Prior to a child commencing school, the PSG through the School Council informs the Regional General Manager of the child's enrolment and the school's requirements to facilitate the enrolment. Copy of letter is sent to parents of child. If the decision is not to enrol until the recommendations have been fulfilled and no satisfactory response has been received within fourteen (14) days from the appropriate Regional Officer:
the School Council and the parent/guardian of the prospective pupil shall be informed by the Principal
the School Council to immediately initiate appropriate action.
