NEW | Specialized classes are accessed through an internal referral and placement process. Referrals for Dr. Oakley School are considered for students registered in the Calgary Board of Education, have an Alberta Education code for Learning Disability and are supported by an Individual Program Plan (IPP) where, minimally, one priority learning cycle has been completed.
We provide excellent programming for students with exceptional and special needs. Every student has unique learning styles, so we work with students, parents and community organizations to personalize the support for each student.
The unique learning styles of students with learning disabilities can usually be successfully met in their community schools. The Calgary Board of Education also offers classes with more specialized support.
Alberta Education’s defines Learning Disabilities as:
Learning disabilities refer to a number of disorders that may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information.
The DSM-5 uses the term “specific learning disorder” to identify various types of learning disabilities. The determination of a learning disability / specific learning disorder must be based on an assessment and diagnosis by a professional.
Learning disabilities range in severity (mild, moderate, or severe) and may result in difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
- Oral language (e.g., listening, speaking, understanding);
- Reading (e.g., decoding, phonetic knowledge, word recognition, comprehension);
- Written language (e.g. spelling and written expression); and
- Mathematics (e.g., computationathematics (e.g., computation, problem solving)
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, Official Definition of Learning Disabilities. Retrieved in 2017 from http://www.ldac-acta.ca/learn-more/ld-defined/official-definition-of-learning-disabilities.
Inclusion in a Community Setting
In Alberta, educating students with special education needs in inclusive settings (community schools) is the first placement option to be considered. School staff in consultation with parents, create an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) which addresses the specific educational needs of the student and identifies conditions for academic success.
In consultation with parents, the school learning team may explore additional supported programming options and make application for consideration of placement in a Specialized Class or Unique Setting. Consideration for placement in a Specialized Class or Unique Setting is a collaborative process among parents, teachers, strategists, specialists, and others.
