Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

Special Education Advisory Committee Page 2
2005 February 24
1.0 Welcome / Presentations
Jacques Torjman and Shirley Rocque from the Ottawa District Office of the Ministry of Education
provided an overview of their role as Education Officers and highlighted some of the current
initiatives in special education at the Ministry level. Copies of the Ministry’s organizational chart
and roles and responsibilities, an update on Special Education Policy and Programs and an
overview of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat (strengthening the focus on literacy and
numeracy/improving student learning) were distributed. SEAC members were provided with an
opportunity to ask questions and share any issues or concerns that they would like taken back to
the Ministry by the Education Officers.
2.0 Elections
Nominations for Chair and Vice Chair were called for. Wally Salamanchuk was acclaimed Chair,
and Kevin Hoskins was acclaimed Vice-Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee for
the year 2005.
3.0 Approval of the Minutes of 2004 December 16
Moved: Janice Quade
Seconded: Betty Jean Brookes
That the minutes of 2005 January 27 be approved.
Carried
4.0 Business Arising from the Minutes
Janice Quade asked about the process for filling a vacancy on the Special Education Advisory
Committee in light of the recent resignation of a member at large. The process was discussed in
general. Joanne TenWolde stated that she would bring a request forward to their (Community
Living Prince Edward) Autism support group to see if there is any interest.
5.0 SEAC Communications
5.1 SEAC Roles & Responsibilities
Superintendent Montgomery reviewed the second of five units from the SEAC learning web site.
The second unit focusses on the roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Education, school
Boards and schools, principals, teachers, parents and students.
General discussion followed with respect to special education funding, the former ISA (Intensive
Support Amount) funding model, teacher training and inservice, teacher qualifications for special
education and EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) testing. Topics identified for
possible presentation at a future meeting included an overview of the changes proposed in
EQAO testing and the role of the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Consultant in schools.
6.0 Staff Reports
Alison McDonnell reported that planning is underway for September 2005: committees are in place to look
at the allotment of EA’s (Educational Assistants) in elementary schools; special programs are being
reviewed using the information collected from the regional review process; grade 8 to 9 referrals have
been completed and spring regional referrals for other specialized programs will take place during March.