- What is an IEP? IEP stands for Individualized Education Plan. It specifies the program/service needs that your child requires. The plan must be completed within 30 school days after your child has commenced the program.
- Is it possible to change an IEP? IEPs are updated annually and parents/students are provided opportunities to provide feedback. Students will receive their IEPs in their homeforms class.
- What is an IPRC? IPRC stands for Identification, Placement and Review Committee. Exceptional pupils, upon the request of a student's parent(s)/guardian(s), must be referred to an IPRC by the principal of the school. The committee is made up of school and school board personnel. The committee identifies the area of needs of your child's exceptionality. IPRC reviews are held annually to assess each student with an exceptionality to determine if placement and/or supports are still appropriate and/or necessary.
- What is GLE/GLS? GLE and GLS courses both provide students with learning strategies but have different eligibility criteria. Please contact Northern's Academic Resource Centre if you wish to discuss a recommended placement for your child.
- What are SEA claims? School boards receive funding from SEA (Special Equipment Amount) to help with the costs associated with equipment used by students with special education needs. Only a qualified professional (ie. Psychologist) can recommend whether any student requires special provisions. If the request is approved, equipment is left at the school and the student will have access to it while they remain in the TDSB. If the student wishes to used the computer at home, parents must sign a liability waiver.
- Who should be contacted if my child's accommodations are not being met? Parents should consult with the student's teacher, Northern's Academic Resource Centre, and/or the student's Vice-Principal/Principal.
- If my child is to receive extra time for tests/exams, when will they write the test/exam? It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with each of their teachers as each class will vary. (ie. a first period class may require the student to come in early; a class before or after lunch may involve having a shorter lunch period; a class at the end of the day may involve staying after school).
- How does my child arrange to write their test/exam in a quiet environment? It is the student's responsibility to contact Northern's Academic Resource Centre and fill in the appropriate forms for each test/exam. If they are not certain who to go to, they can ask their teacher to point them in the right direction.
- How can I get involved? All parents of Northern students with learning disabilities are welcome to attend any or all of the Northern Secondary School Learning Disability Advisory Committee meetings. The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) of the Toronto District School Board also holds monthly meetings which are open to parents, guardians and members of the public. Workshops through various agencies (ie. Integra) are offered throughout the academic year as well and in past, have often been mentioned in Northern's e-newsletters.