Learning Support Services

Dr. Brenda Willis, Assistant Superintendent

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:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Language and cultural programs
• Student assessment
• Reporting of student progress
• Special education and Inclusive education
• Alberta Education AISI projects
• Cycle 4 AISI Projects

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