Learning & Literacy Program Initiative
The Learning & Literacy Program Initiative supports a new model of delivery in programming for students with learning disabilities. The initiative is characterized by students in Learning & Literacy (L & L) programs situated together with a community school class at a particular grade level. L & L teachers and Community School Classroom teachers team teach the blended class in all core subjects. L & L teachers are also available to deliver explicit, extensive and intensive instruction to L & L students. In addition, this initiative is designed to provide assistive technology as a vehicle for students’ to access necessary learning tools to accommodate their unique learning needs.
In Phase One of this three year Capital Budget initiative, one hundred and sixty students, in seven schools received dedicated laptops with text-to-speech and speech-to-text software. Classrooms have been equipped with mobile SMARTBoards, projectors, scanners and color printers. Additional handheld devices such as reading pens, iPods, digital cameras and video cameras support a Universal Design for Learning framework which allows for flexible methods of presentation, expression and options for engagement.
Enabling Learning & Literacy students to become independent learners in charge of their own learning as well as the ability to access the proper technologies in all learning environments is a fundamental outcome of this initiative. In addition, the ability to improve access to a differentiated set of technology enhanced learning tools for these students will impact their learning environments.