Special Needs

The Western Québec School Board is committed to supporting individual success for every student.  We strive to promote academic and social inclusion. Students attend the community school, wherein a range of services and supports are available to address the varied needs. Each school organizes their special education services according to the needs of their school and within the guidelines of our Policy on Special Needs (C-17).

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Inclusive Education

At the elementary level and in rural K-11 schools, students with special needs are educated in an inclusive setting.  The students remain in the regular classroom with their peers. Additional support, as required, is also focused in the classroom. 

At the secondary schools, students may continue in an integrated setting or in classes in which all students follow the same academic program (ex. modified, life skills (CASP, CHALLENGES), WOTP (Pre-Work, SST)). Support services are focused on ensuring student needs are met.

Western Québec believes strongly in the inclusive model of education and strives to support students in an environment which appreciates and celebrates diversity.

Western Québec has a small number of specialized classrooms at the elementary level to support students with more complex special needs.

About Inclusive Education Services

Centres of Excellence are provincial resources offering support and expertise to the English-speaking Education community for the organization of programs and adapted teaching to assist students with particular learning needs in an inclusive setting.

Identifying Special Needs

Students receive support for academic and social development within the context of their classroom. Western Québec recognizes the importance of prevention and early intervention to address difficulties as quickly as possible. Pedagogical flexibility, adaptations and modifications are outlined in this Ministry of Education Informational Document. 

The WQSB Policy C-17 outlines the process for evaluation or identification of Students with Special Needs.

The Ministry of Education’s Organization of Educational Services for Students with Special Needs outlines the criteria for students identified as At-Risk (for academic, behavioural, and/or social-emotional needs) and those recognized as having Special Needs within the context of a disability.

Individualized Education Plans

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a plan of activities coordinated jointly by the people involved. Its purpose is to help a student who, because of a handicap or difficulties, needs adapted intervention in order to progress optimally in developing the competencies required for success. An individualized education plan is part of a dynamic support process that takes place for the benefit and with the participation of the student. It is based on a systemic view of the student’s situation, and is implemented using a solution-centred approach.

Provincial Education Programs

All students follow Ministry of Education programs and pathways which meet their individual and academic needs:

  • A regular academic pathway (with adaptations leading to secondary academic qualificatons
  • A modified academic pathway, leads to the Work Oriented Training Pathway, which leads to a Work Training Certificate
  • A lifeskills pathway leads to a Ministry certificate

The report card and IEP will reflect the academic pathway and the subjects/competencies in which the students will be evaluated.

Resources and References