LaST
The Learning and Support Teacher will, through the school's learning and support team, provide direct and timely specialist assistance to students in regular classes with additional learning and support needs and their teachers. Many of these students come from diverse cultural, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds. The Disability Standards for Education 2005 provides the context for the role and activities of the Learning and Support Teacher. Emphasis in the role will reflect the needs of individual students and school priorities and programs that support students with additional learning and support needs. The role will be underpinned by a collaborative and consultative approach so that the student and/or their parent or carer are actively involved in the student's education. The Learning and Support Teacher will:
- work collaboratively with the classroom teacher to support assessment for learning of their students with additional educational needs and identify specific learning and support needs
- plan, implement, model, monitor and evaluate teaching programs for students with additional learning and support needs in conjunction with regular classroom teachers
- plan, implement, model, monitor and evaluate personalised adjustments for learning where required, with the classroom teacher, student and/or parent or carer
- model exemplary classroom practice when tailoring adjusted learning programs for students with additional learning needs
- provide direct support for students with additional learning and support needs through a range of strategies (including direct instruction, delivery of adjusted learning programs, assessment and monitoring of progress) including the areas of social integration, language and communication, literacy, numeracy and behaviour. This may include students with confirmed disabilities
- provide professional specialist advice, support and mentoring to classroom teachers on:
- how best to cater for the diverse learning needs in their classrooms, and
- how to effectively work in partnership with families to maximise learning opportunities for students at school and at home
- provide professional specialist advice and assistance about students with additional learning needs to the school's learning and support team
- assist with professional learning for class teachers and school learning support officers within their school and local network of schools where appropriate.
SLSO
Under the supervision and direction of a teacher, a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) in respect of students enrolled in special schools and classes, is responsible to the principal or the supervisor for:
- providing assistance in school routines;
- classroom activities; and
- the care and management of students with disabilities and behaviour disorders.
An SLSO is required to assist teachers in school and community settings in:
- the implementation of individual education programs and individual transition programs;
- providing opportunities for students to develop personal, social, independent living and prevocational skills;
- toileting and personal care needs of students at all age and dependency levels, to include washing, bathing, showering and changing;
- washing of soiled items of clothing and nappies and in the disposal of used sanitary items;
- direct food preparation and assisting students with eating and drinking;
- the implementation of travel training programs;
- the supervision of students on excursion, work experience and travel training programs;
- supervision of students with severe and/or multiple, physical and/or intellectual disabilities which can involve:
- frequent physical lifting, also involving changing students from one piece of equipment to another;
- therapy or nursing type duties (which include duties carried out under the guidance of professional staff);
- administering prescribed medication, keeping medication register;
- minor maintenance of physical and or electronic equipment used by students;
- organising the regular servicing of physical and or electronic equipment used by students;
- serving as part of a trans-disciplinary (educational/therapy) team in the development and implementation of individual educational programs;
- communicating with students using an augmentative communication system most appropriate to the needs of students;
- taking performance data during the implementation of individual educational programs.
Library
Libraries are an essential resource within New South Wales government schools to support teaching and learning in the context of syllabus and curriculum requirements. They provide teachers and teacher-librarians with resources to teach the curriculum and students with resources for individual learning and recreational reading. The purpose of the school library is to support teaching and learning within the total program of the school. Teacher-librarians can collaborate with teachers in the planning, implementing and evaluating of teaching and learning programs, including the integration of Information Communications Technology and literacy. They provide students with opportunities to develop information skills and to use these skills competently and with confidence for lifelong learning.
Over the last few years, Ingleburn High School's library has undergone a transformation that has been squarely aimed at making it a comfortable, uplifting, modern and functional space, which supports students and staff in being 21st century learners. It boasts a wide array of technology that is used to enhance the learning experiences that students have when they are in the library, either doing private study, reading or with their classes. The library has at present a total of 82 computers, including 26 Apple Mac desktop computers, 26 Lenovo windows based desktop computers and a mobile lab of 30 Lenovo laptop computers that connect to the school's Wi-Fi network.
The Apple Mac Lab also has a fully interactive 75' television that is connected to an Apple Mac on the teacher's desk. The glass study/breakout room also contain a 55' interactive television and a further 32' television.
The Multimedia Room contains a modern campfire style seating and desk arrangement that allows students and staff to work either in a class or as a group. The Multimedia Room contains a fully interactive whiteboard that is internet capable. The room also has a stand-alone video conferencing capability that allows staff and students to take part in video conferences, interviews or webinars anywhere in the world.
A large drop down electronic screen connected to an ultra-short throw data projector with surround sound and connectivity is located on the lower floor. This enables the delivery of professional presentations or audiovisual material to large groups.
The Library also has at its core a large modern collection of modern and popular fiction books that cater to the demands of the many avid readers within the Ingleburn High School student body. A smaller collection of quality general non-fiction books is also maintained to assist students with research or reading for personal interest.
Modern lounge and booth seating gives the students a comfortable place to read or do their studies/research. A colour photocopier/scanner/printer is also available for students to use at a minimal cost in order to produce high quality publications.
