Overview of the Team Around the Learner approach

Overview of the Team Around the Learner approach Module 2 Describing the Team Around the Learner approach 1

Module 2: Describing the Team Around the Learner approach Overview The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the Team Around the Learner approach to improving outcomes for learners and families. Focus This module will support your understanding of: 2 The Team Around the Learner approach What is the Team Around the Learner When to use the Team Around the Learner approach Key Principles of the Team Around the Learner approach Team Around the Learner Model 2

What is team Around the Learner? What is it? Team Around the Learner provides a structured framework within a Multi- Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for a whole school approach to support all learners. Team Around the Learner brings people together as a team to coordinate a plan that meets the needs of the learner and supports them to continue to engage in or re-engage in education and learning. 3

What are the Key Aspects of Team Around the Learner? What are the key aspects? • Learners are viewed within the context of their family and their environment and are supported by a team. • There is no time limit to the Team Around the Learner process. The focus is on making sure the needs of the learner are met and sustained. • Team Around the Learner is not a new concept. It demonstrates good practice in supporting learners who require additional support to engage in education and learning. 4

What are the Key Aspects of Team Around the Learner? Who is involved? • Team members may include the learner, education professionals, health professionals, community members, parents/caregivers, external agencies and community members involved in the life of the learner and their family. • A Lead Professional coordinates the efforts of the team and ensures that all team members are part of the solution. • The team meet regularly regarding the design, implementation and review of a coordinated plan put in place by the team to meet the individual. 5

When to use the Team Around the Learner approach? The Team Around the Learner approach can be adopted as early as needs are identified. The Team Around the Learner approach can be adopted at any stage of a learner’s journey. Although not all issues experienced by students are problematic initially, it is beneficial to support the learner early to prevent such issues impacting on their learning. Continuum of Student Engagement Student is engaged in their learning Student experiences some challenges in engaging with their learning Student is struggling to remain engaged with their learning Student is disengaged with their learning Education professionals may choose to adopt a Team Around the Learner approach at any time. A coordinated approach will help to provide appropriate support for the learner. 6

Key Principles of the Team Around the Learner approach Team Around the Learner Key Principles Team Around the Learner Model 1. The learner and family are at the centre 2. Learners experience a coordinated and seamless service 3. Team Around the Learner promotes positive engagement 4. Team Around the Learner is outcomes focused 5. Team Around the Learner is a collaborative and collective team effort within an effective schoolwide framework 7

The FISO Improvement Cycle closely matches the Team Around the Learner pathway. Schools use the FISO Improvement Cycle to: • Evaluate and diagnose their performance successes and challenges around their key improvement initiatives and strategies • Prioritise and set goals for improvement strategies and initiatives that have the greatest impact on student learning • Develop and plan their improvement strategies and initiatives to ensure successful implementation • Implement and monitor their selected improvement strategies and initiatives and the impact these have on student learning. 8

Team Around the Learner Model – Overview The Team Around the Learner model guides the process for improving the outcomes of learners The learner and family are empowered with information and assisted to make the most informed choice for the learner’s needs. Through contact or screening tools the learner is identified as vulnerable and at risk of disengaging or has disengaged from education and learning. Relationships are built with the learner and the process of engagement commences A Lead Professional is identified to support and steer the process. The Lead Professional engages other team members An understanding of learner and family history is developed Information is captured to inform future phases Informed consent regarding information sharing is obtained The learner and family are supported through the needs analysis process by the Lead Professional. The learner and family should experience appropriate and timely assessments and referrals. Comprehensive needs analysis, assessments and referrals are conducted as required Services and supports that may be required or are already involved are identified and engaged Informed consent regarding information sharing is obtained Engage learner, family & team Bring together the team to develop the individualised plan. The learner and family are encouraged to fully participate during the process and agree on the goals, strategies and actions to be implemented. The team monitors strategies, actions and adjustments made to the plan as necessary. Previous phases are revisited with the agreement of the learner and family, where circumstances have changed or strategies are not working. In partnership with the learner, A person centred, family sensitive approach to vision and goal development is encouraged Learning and successful strategies from past experiences are discussed Develop and implement plan A plan is developed with input from the learner, family, supports and services The needs of the learner and family are described and prioritised Indicators of success and links to the monitoring and evaluation of outcomes are determined Appropriate strategies and actions that will lead to the successful achievement of goals are determined Clear roles and responsibilities are assigned the family and other service providers review the plan and indicators of progress toward the agreed outcomes and goals Strategies are evaluated for their effectiveness and the need for new strategies is considered Success is celebrated and strengths recognised Team cohesiveness, trust and buy-in is maintained The team continues to enable the Team Around the Learner principles within the process The learner and family are supported through the transition from intensive wrap around services to more natural supports and are actively involved in developing a Transition Plan. The learner and family should feel positive and capable moving forward and know that support is available if required. A purposeful transition away from more formal supports is planned to assist the learner and family to maintain the positive outcomes achieved It is ensured that the family is continuing to experience success and support is provided if necessary Successes are celebrated and the skills and knowledge of the learner and family are positively reinforced Follow-up continues with the learner and family 9

Team Around the Learner approach Determining the practice implemented in schools To assist schools to measure their practice of the Team Around the Learner approach, a five level Rubric has been developed that describes what Team Around the Learner might look like in a school. It is not a definitive description, however it gives schools some ideas for discussion about what would work best with their school communities. To complement the Rubric, a Planning Improvement tool has been developed to assist schools. This tool supports schools to put improvement plans in place for any phase of the Team Around the Learner approach which is identified as needing further development. This tool asks the school to identify: • current strengths in practice • the evidence they have that clearly demonstrates the established practice • the next steps they will need to take to improve practice • the tools they will use in improving practice Resources Team Around the Learner Rubric Planning Improvement tool 10