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.  

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