What is the Special Education Review?
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In response to the TDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-28), and with support from TDSB’s Research and Development Department, the Special Education and Inclusion Department will embark on an ongoing 3-year cycle of review and evaluation for internal improvement purposes.
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Information from the Review will assist the Special Education and Inclusion Department in understanding the role that special education programs and placements play in student pathways and outcomes, as well as supporting the conditions in which educators are able to engage in effective practice.
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The Review is not intended to make any recommendations related to budget or staffing, but rather is part of ongoing departmental work to draw on students’, families’ and educators’ knowledge and experiences of special education across the TDSB.
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The Review will focus on students’ program and pathway outcomes throughout elementary and secondary school, access to post-secondary, as well as student and family experiences in special education, the conditions required for student success, and the conditions that enable or inhibit educators’ practice.
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Outcomes of the Review will inform the implementation of actions aimed at addressing disparities in access, improving student and family experiences of special education as well as student outcomes, and supporting conditions in which educators are enabled to engage in effective practice.
What are the Key Steps?
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With consultation from a Committee of TDSB community members, key areas for improvement will be identified based on:
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student, family and educator expectations and experiences of special education and access to supports, programs, services
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an exploration of student pathways, outcomes and post-secondary opportunities in relation to their level of special education support (i.e. fully self-contained (ISP), partially-integrated, fully-integrated programs with IEP modifications or accommodations, or students without an IEP).
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The first phase of the Review will include an analysis of administrative and program data, system surveys for students, parents and educators, and focus groups with interested participants.
Who are the Special Education Review Consultation Team?
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A team of TDSB community members will consult and provide expertise, review findings, provide feedback on the evaluation process and advise on knowledge mobilization.
- The Special Education Review research team includes two staff members from TDSB’s Research and Development Department, as well as Dr. Gillian Parekh from York University.
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The Consultation Team includes the research team members, as well as staff from the Equity Department, Urban Indigenous Education Centre, Special Education and Inclusion, Human Rights Office, members of the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), a school-based educator, a current TDSB secondary student, and a former TDSB student with experience in special education.
Special Education Review Consultation Team Meeting Agendas and Summaries
Please click the link below to view the agendas of
upcoming Special Education Review Consultation Team meetings as well as
summaries of past meetings:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fya0hDjNeb4qp_qKoz9LOePviZC9GMTs1Ijo0s4cnJQ/edit?usp=sharing