Speaker: Lara Lee, Deputy Principal of Inclusive Practices
School Overview:
Largest high school in Australia with around 3,500 students.
Approximately 80% speak a language other than English at home.
ICSEA value of 944, lowest among large schools.
Diverse cultural demographic.
Inclusive Practices
School-Wide Approach
Initiative: 'Know your student, know your data'
Conducted during student free days at the start of the year.
Utilizes 'One School' program for student data review.
Encourages collaboration among teachers for understanding disabilities.
Learning Cycle:
10-week cycle for teacher-student familiarization and adjustment planning.
Includes consultative process with parents.
Teacher's Role
Speaker: Ashley Barr, English and Humanities Teacher
Inclusive Classroom Practices:
Provides inclusive activities and opportunities for social skill development.
Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and group activities.
Aims to build student agency, self-efficacy, and autonomy.
Support Structures
Case Managers:
Allocate time to support students and assist teachers.
Ensure reasonable adjustments through consultation with parents and students.
Data Review Cycle:
Conducted every term to assess and revise curriculum adjustments.
Use of diagnostic tasks to gauge student ability levels.
Professional Development
Marsden Institute of Teacher Development
Platform: Online on SharePoint
Features:
Teachers upload and share professional learning.
Head of Inclusion provides recorded lesson bites for easy access.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) convene every term.
Focus Areas:
Differentiation and reasonable adjustment strategies.
Differentiation PLC
Facilitators: Ashley Barr and colleague
Objective:
Discuss and troubleshoot differentiation challenges.
Implement solutions to enhance classroom learning experiences.
Culture of Inclusion
Ongoing Journey
Strives to reflect and foster inclusivity within society.
Promotes the motto: "Everybody matters and everyone belongs."
Focus on ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
Conclusion
Marsden State High School is committed to creating an inclusive environment not just for students with disabilities but for all diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity across the school community.