Helping Students Reach Higher
Information on Special Education Services Offered at KLDCS Supporting Our Students The goal of Special Education is to help students achieve the curriculum expectations to the best of their ability and to become as independent as possible as they do so.
KLDCS has resources available to provide services to students with special needs. Services may be in terms of tutoring, withdrawal assistance, individualized academic programs, or life skills/functional living programs. The service a student may require varies with the individual needs of the student; and students do not have to be formally identified through an IPRC in order to receive such support. Administration and the Special Education teacher work with classroom teachers and parents to provide support to students who need it. Special Education Programs In some cases, students entering secondary school require a differentiated programs as they work toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an Ontario Secondary School Certificate or a Certificate of Accomplishment. Students may mix and match courses at the various levels in order to suit their academic needs. New Horizons is an alternative program designed for students who are diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability. This program focuses on social and life skills programming and works in conjunction with a partnership with Community Living to assist Students in their transition to community-based programming once they reach the age of 21. These courses are developed on individualized expectations that meet the students’ needs that are not necessarily derived from the Ontario Curriculum Expectations. Students will not achieve credits in Alternative Courses. Students in the New Horizons program will work to achieve a Certificate of Accomplishment. If you feel this program will meet the needs of your child, please contact Robin Craig to arrange a meeting. The Essential Program is designed for students who have difficulty in core academic subjects such as Mathematics, Science and English. If students successfully complete Essential Courses they will achieve credits. Students in this stream work towards their diploma with a goal of entering the workforce after graduation The Applied Program is designed for students whose destination is college after graduation. The Academic Program is designed for students whose destination is university after graduation. Some students may choose alternative courses in Mathematics, or English in order to bring their skills nearer to grade level. KLDCS also offers a non-credit learning package for students who are extremely behind in their learning in key subject areas [Math/English]. Students and parents should discuss this option with Robin Craig in the Special Education Department. The entire literacy/numeracy program takes 4 periods [two each semester], so students would choose 4 elective courses that interest them, such as gym, tech, art, music or foods in order to complete their timetable If students take alternative courses, then enroll in essential level courses and successfully complete the Essential Courses, they will achieve credits. Students who study a combination of Alternative and Essential Courses can work towards an Ontario Secondary School Certificate. For more information please contact Mrs. Craig or Ms. Henry. Services offered by the Special Education Department at KLDCS - One to one/small group assistance
- Access to accommodations such as: oral testing, scribing, access to computers etc.
- Assistive technology software - such as Kurzweil 3000 offers assistance for individuals with learning disabilities or reading difficulties.
- Modification to individual student programming as deemed necessary ["S" credit courses]
- Transition assistance from school to workforce and high school to post secondary
- Connections to community programs (STEP Program)
- A support system to encourage self-advocacy and independence
- Literacy skill development through the Later Literacy program.
Special Education Tip Sheet People for Education has developed a new tip sheet that answers some of the most frequently asked questions about special education. The tip sheet will help parents understand when to ask for help, where to go to get that help, and how to prepare for special education meetings.
The tip sheet is available now on our website. There is a link on the home page, or you can use this one to check it out:
For More information on programs and services offered, please contact Mrs. Kim Gauthier, Department Head of Special Education, or Linda Henry, Principal. Fax: (705) 568-8829
Kirkland Lake District Composite School
60 Allen Avenue
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, P2N 3J5
(705) 567-4981
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