Alternative Learning Team ready to help students

By MO CRANKER on January 27, 2021.

A presentation from the Alternative Programming Team was the main feature during Tuesday’s public school board meeting.

The team, headlined by Alternative Programming vice-principal Gregory Ferris, spoke at length with the board about its services in public schools.

“In our school division we have programs that fall into Alternative Programming and we also have services,” he said. “Alternative Programming is when maybe the mainstream schooling doesn’t work for a particular student. We have programs where we can provide that flexibility to students.

“We want to help students and meet their complex or diverse needs.”

The team spoke to two streams within the programming. There are four programs offered within the division that students with complex needs can attend.

The team also offers specialized learning supports for students.

“We have a team of two teachers, an educational assistant and myself who provide services to schools in terms of collaboration, consultation and coaching,” said Ferris. “We will go to schools and support classroom teachers with strategies and programming recommendations for students who may be having challenges.

“It can be behaviour, communication, or a life skills program.”

Alternative Programming works directly with teachers to help students get the best education for their needs.

“Right now we work with teachers who reach out to us,” said Ferris. “They’ll tell us the area the student needs help in, and what layer of service the teacher needs.

“Sometimes teachers need help short term, while other times we’ll sit down with them and talk about long-term options.

“Everything we do is on a case-to-case basis. Every student is different and they have different needs.

“We want to make sure kids are getting the education they need so they can do well.”