EWSC Saskatchewan Education Assistant Campaign Presentation by Davidson

EWSC Saskatchewan Education Assistant Campaign Presentation by Davidson Summit Committee

The Old Way vs the New • “Change challenges the status quo” • “There is movement from a dependencybased paraprofessional model to an independent-focused professional model” • “Movement away from an entitlement model” • “Parents want what they have always had” Ministry of Education, 2008

New Service Delivery Model • “Continue development …of school division service delivery model. . . utilizing research-based ratios of appropriate [staff] supports and data guided decision making. ”

Psychology Paradigm Shift The past is not the future. . . Kelli D. Cummings, Ph. D. , NCSP Saskatoon, SK (6/16/09) Regina, SK (6/17/09)

“Paradigm Shift”? • “…number of individuals identified with …learning disabilities could be reduced if more effective reading instruction was in place…many students placed in special education may not have received adequate instruction in general education. ”

Response to Intervention (RTI) • RTI requires proof that the intervention is effective: otherwise it’s a teaching problem rather than a learning problem.

Response to Intervention (RTI) • “We need to spend as much time assessing the quality of instruction as we spend assessing the response to the instruction. ”

Response to Intervention (RTI) “Problem-Solving RTI Reduces the number of children needing greater supports of special education Is fiscally sound, effective and efficient”

Psychology Paradigm Shift, June 2009

Provincial Meeting of School Division Superintendents of Student Support Services (December 9 th, 2009) • Topic: “Reducing paraprofessional supports and increasing professional supports” • Research Article: “The Golden Rule of Providing Support in Inclusive Classrooms. ”

The Golden Rule of Providing Support in Inclusive Classrooms: Support Others as You Wish to be Supported Research article by Julie N. Causton-Thoeharis

So… Who Replaces EAs? • “Peer support is a well-researched, evidence-based practice. ” • “When a student requests help, redirect the student to ask a peer. ” • “Asking a peer should be the norm for all students. ” • “Ask three students before (a teacher). ” The Golden Rule of Providing Support…

So What Does All This Mean…?