Concurrent Sessions
DAY 2: 13.15 - 14.15 (Corinthian Room)
Leading change for Twice Exceptional students
Presented by: Estee Stephenson
Organisation: St Andrew's Cathedral School, NSW
This presentation will present research on the importance and nature of supporting Twice Exceptional students. Participants will learn how to build the capacity of staff and improve achievement for students by leading the change from a deficit-based to a strength-based focus. Nowhere is the disconnect between ability and deficit as profound as for Twice Exceptional students. They require specific interventions, which may lead to an improvement in academic achievement. However, it is common practice for the learning deficit of a Twice Exceptional student to be addressed separately in educational settings, which is problematic as teaching strategies for these students will be most effective if they are incorporated into the classroom. The presentation will address strategies that educators can use to lead change for these students in their classroom and will recommend whole-school approaches to support 2E students.
During the presentation, the identification and support needs will be discussed in detail, including the delay of this development in students who are Twice Exceptional. Participants will gain an understanding of the legal and educational provisions required, and will explore a number of strategies and programs to support the learning and skills. Participants will have the opportunity to rate their school's provisions and accommodations for Twice Exceptional students and reflect on evidence-based practices. In addition, the presentation will make recommendations on leading change for Twice Exceptional students in schools.
DAY 2: 13.15 - 14.15 (Grand Lodge)
Personalised post-school transition planning for students with disability
Presented by: Susanne Andrews, Chris Drimal
Organisation: NSW Department of Education, Learning and Wellbeing Directorate, Disability Learning and Support, NSW
The workshop will focus on personalised transition planning in secondary schools for students with disability and the importance of planning being an integral part of school processes. We will be presenting new planning documents and resources developed in 2019 to support schools with post-school transition planning for students and their families. These materials support schools to: further the economic, social and independence outcomes of their students by guiding the transition planning process; and support students and their families in their interaction with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The presentation will include process for transition planning; completing an individual transition plan; examples of evidence held by schools that may support transition planning and NDIS planning; information on pathways and options for young people, including pathways to employment, Australian Government employment services and NDIS supports; goal planning prompts and examples; information on NDIS planning areas; checklists to support planning discussions; and links to information, support and resources.
DAY 2: 13.15 - 14.15 (Banquet Hall)
A whole-school approach to planning and implementing professional learning
Presented by: Jane Stott, Jenny Harrison
Organisation: Disability, Learning and Support NSW Department of Education, NSW
This presentation will demonstrate how a metropolitan and a rural primary school planned and delivered professional learning through specific whole-school approaches. It will outline the impact of this professional learning on the support for students in both schools. The principal and executive are completing the professional learning alongside their staff. They will discuss the decision-making and planning processes used to determine what professional learning would best support the schools’ strategic directions and priorities. The presentation will outline the impact of the professional learning on teachers’ confidence, knowledge and skills and how this supported further development within their schools. These online learning courses, offered to NSW Public School staff since 2009, promote a collaborative, whole-school approach that provides rigorous, relevant and engaging professional learning. Over 24,000 staff have passed the courses and been supported to better understand and respond to the needs of students with disability and additional learning needs.