Inclusive Education
Centre for Inclusive Schooling
The Centre for Inclusive Schooling is committed to inclusive schooling and the provision of effective classroom programs that value the diversity of students.
Overview
CIS provides specialised professional learning, consultation and direct support services to school and district education staff. These services assist them in using strategies that maximise educational outcomes for students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.
The Centre provides specialised services in the following areas:
- Assistive Technology
- Autism
- Disability high support
- Learning difficulties
- Online learning
- Resource library
An ongoing Professional Learning program is also provided by the centre to support district and school based personnel with the knowledge skills and understandings needed to ensure appropriate teaching and learning adjustments for students with disabilities or learning difficulties are made in the classroom.
Background
CIS was formerly known as the District Service Centre for Disabilities and Learning Difficulties and combined a range of services including those offered by Chidley Education Centre and regionally located reading clinics.
In response to the recommendations made in the Pathways to the Future: A Report of the Review of Educational Services for Students with Disabilities in Government School (2004) and the realignment of services closer to schools, Visiting teachers (Inclusive Education) and Support teachers (Inclusive Education) are now based in local district education offices.
These personnel are incorporated within Inclusive Education and have a team leader (Inclusive Education).
Assistive Technology, autism and disabilities high support's Needs and Learning Difficulties teams, located at CIS, provide specialised support to districts and schools through the locally based district Inclusive Education teams.
Outcomes
- Direct services to schools to support students with high support needs
- Targeted professional learning courses and seminars to support teachers and other professionals working in schools
- Development of online materials and communties of practice
