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Definitions
Severe Learning Disabilities are characterized by:
- Average to above average assessed cognitive ability;
- Very significant discrepancy between assessed cognitive
ability and academic achievement in one or more of the
following areas: reading, spelling, written expression, and
mathematics. Reading and spelling are usually
characterized by severe phonological problems, written
expression by grapho-motor difficulties and difficulty in
putting thoughts and ideas on paper, and mathematics by
difficulties with mathematical concepts. The difference
between cognitive ability and academic performance is
typically five years or more in each area for secondary
age students. Younger students tend to lack basic
readiness skills or be functioning at an early primary level
in the basic skills;
- Some or all of the additional characteristics identified in
the Ministry of Education and Training's proposed
definitions of learning disabilities
Not In Need of Treatment:
Provincial Demonstration Schools are not designed for students
who present with severe emotional or behavioural issues e.g.:
- Assaultive behaviours towards self or others
- Behaviours that endanger, or present risk to self or others
- Major psychiatric disorders
The schools are not an alternative to treatment programs
provided by Children's Mental Health Centres, nor do they
provide placements which attempt to circumvent chronic family
and community dysfunction.
In Need of A Residential Education Program means that a
pupil...
- Has met the criteria for a severe learning disability in the
opinion of the Provincial Committee on Learning
Disabilities;
- Has exhausted the resources of a school board's program
in its ability to meet the needs of the pupil;
- Requires a residential program to assist with the
development of personal life and learning strategies to
overcome or limit the effect of severe learning disabilities;
and
- Is not in need of treatment for a severe emotional or
behavioural disorder.
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