The support teachers provide is crucial to ensuring all students have the opportunity to engage in learning in safe, supportive and well-managed learning environments. Students may require varying supports depending on their strengths and needs, including reasonable adjustments to the learning environment, teaching or curriculum.
This practice guide supports teachers in working collaboratively and developing respectful relationships with students, parents/primary caregivers, communities and other professionals to provide effective instruction and reasonable adjustments for students’ diverse needs. It’s part of a suite of resources developed in partnership with MultiLit and the Institute of Special Educators to help teachers refine or refresh their understanding and practice of supporting students with diverse needs.
This guide outlines the following practices for collaborating with students’ support networks:
- Involve students, parents/primary caregivers and communities in planning and decision-making.
- Work closely with in-school support staff and external specialists.
- Involve students’ support networks in regular reviews of adjustments, supports and progress.
The advice in this guide is designed to complement – not replace – existing school and system policies, procedures and guidance.
Keywords: classroom management, student engagement, family engagement, parental engagement