|
 Dr.
Brenda Willis, Director
Learning Support Services is a complex and diverse department focused
on teacher and student learning. Providing support and service to
schools with programs from kindergarten to grade 12, Learning Support
Services consultants, teachers, classified, and custodial staff
work collaboratively with school staffs, parents, Alberta Education
staff, and the broader community to assist students in reaching
their maximum potential academically, socially, emotionally, physically,
and spiritually. The work of the department is based on four foundational
Cornerstones: collaboration, communication, relationship, and leverage.
These cornerstones serve to ground actions and decisions carried
out by all members of the department.
 By honoring the past, attending to the present and
planning for the future, Learning Support Services plays an essential
role within the district in fostering quality Catholic education.
Key Areas of support include:
Learning Support Services curriculum staff provides leadership
and support to schools in their mandate to deliver the Program
of Studies 
as prescribed by Alberta Education in a way that exemplifies the
richness of our Catholic tradition. Program staff provide leadership
and support to schools in the provision of language and specialized
programs that address the unique needs of our student population.
In the areas of assessment, consultant staff support schools in
accessing contract assessment personnel, assist schools in the interpretation
of assessment data, and development of assessment instruments and
protocols. Classified staff within the Lending Library offer advice
and assistance to school staff in the selection and use of supplementary
teacher resources.
The primary work of department staff is focused on the following key areas:
Professional Development
Facilitating professional development activities in a variety of
areas including:
Leadership
Department staff provides leadership in teaching and learning by:
- Modeling best practices in instruction
- Demonstrating commitment to life long learning
- Advocating for educational programming that addresses the needs
of the whole child
- Inspiring educators to nurture and develop our Catholic identity
through the permeation of our Catholic teachings throughout the
curriculum
Support
Supporting schools and the parent community by:
- Providing resources and strategies for the development of programs
aimed at fostering excellence in academic and personal student
achievement
- Monitoring curriculum and programs to ensure consistent high
standards
- Coordinating placements and programming in district special
education programs
- Facilitating inclusive education programming for students with
special needs
Research
Conducting research activities that provide qualitative and quantitative
data for instructional and program improvement aimed at ensuring
Edmonton Catholic Schools is on the cutting edge in program delivery.
These include:
- Facilitating action research projects within the district
- Coordinating the Assessment For Learning initiative
- Linking with the University of Alberta in areas of mathematics
and language arts
- Facilitating the Science 2010 partnership project
"You have to touch the heart before you can teach
the mind”
Charles Hirshberg
|
