In general, if significant adaptation is being made to a student's program, involving either content or the delivery process, parents are to be consulted. However, in accordance with The Education Act, 1995 and the Regulations thereunder, the professional staff, in conjunction with the Director of Education, are responsible for making final decisions regarding student placements.

In the event that parent(s)/guardian(s) refuse permission for the school to deliver a significantly adapted, or alternative, program to their child, they will be asked to sign a "Refusal of Service" form. If they refuse to sign the form, the Principal will make an appropriate notation to that effect in the child's cumulative record file, which will include the date of refusal, a brief description of the parent(s)/guardian(s) reasons for the refusal, and the signature of the Principal.

Student referrals to agencies outside of the school shall be made using the appropriate referral form, fully completed, and sent by the Principal.

Where the amount of Resource teacher time available in a school is restricted, resource help will be provided to students on a priorized basis. The guidelines for such priorization shall include standardised test scores (both aptitude and achievement), academic achievement, student behavioural and/or emotional needs, age, and qualified staff availability.

Resource help will be provided to students as early as possible in their school career. Thus, where priorization of caseloads is required, priority will be given to younger students first. Additionally, when priorization of case loads is required, first priority will be given to students with problems that can be rectified, as opposed to situations in which the Resource Teacher is expected to deliver significantly adapted or alternative programming.

Students with severe intellectual disabilities should generally have their needs met through the delivery of adapted programming under the direction of the classroom teacher. Such individuals are not high priority cases for resource help, unless there is sufficient Resource Teacher time available.

BOARD APPROVED:

, _____

NEW POLICY

REPLACES POLICY

LEGAL REFERENCE