Program Description

Secondary Learning Assistance programs are designed for students who have diagnosed, mild intellectual disabilities -"K" Designation. Students are timetabled into mainstream electives wherever possible. Students are provided with instructional support in alignment with their intellectual disability.  Students in this program may earn either an Evergreen Certificate, Adult Dogwood Certificate or a Dogwood Certificate.

Curriculum Emphasis:

• communication skills
• executive functioning and adaptive behaviour
• functional academic skills
• community awareness/participation
• social skills support

Student Profile

• meets criteria for "K" Designation
• communication challenges
• academic challenges due to cognitive delay
• history of consistent school attendance

Referral Process

Learning Assistance Class referrals must be submitted to the District Case, High Incidence.  

Documentation Required

• completed “Request for Designation &/or Special Education Program placement” form
• completed “Pre-Referral Intervention Strategies” (PRIS) form
• Psycho-Educational assessment
• Speech and Language assessment, (if appropriate)
• Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• School Based Team minutes
• Report Card

Placement Evaluation

Student placement is reviewed every spring with the goal of returning students to their home schools. A transition plan between the program staff and the receiving school is developed.

Capacity and Staffing

Grades 8 to 10 (junior) 11 to 12 (senior)

15 students

1 Teacher and 1 SSA

Program Locations

Eric Hamber Secondary

John Oliver Secondary

Killarney Secondary

Vancouver Technical Secondary