Head of Department: Mrs. Irma Sefa-Finkbeiner
irma.sefa-finkbeiner@tdsb.on.ca
Phone: 416-394-7550 ext. 20043
What is the Special Education Department?
Our Mission is to enable all students to reach their potential and acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society.
Special Education Program
Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) are entitled to the accommodations outlined in their IEP. They will receive special education support through one of the following programs listed below:
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Learning Strategies 1 – GLE1/209 is a credit course in Grades 9 and 10, which focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners, and improve their personal management skills. Students will have the opportunity to learn the strategies and accommodations outlined in their Individual Education Plan while having the opportunity to receive support in areas of difficulty.
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Advanced Learning Strategies – GLE3/4O9 is a credit course in Grades 11 and 12, which prepares students to make successful transitions to post-secondary education programs. Students will have the opportunity to get help with homework, assignments, essays, research projects and presentations. In addition, they will investigate learning requirements and documentation required for employment and post-secondary education and the process for accessing support through the Special Needs Departments at post-secondary institutions.
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Indirect Support: Students are not enrolled in a Learning Strategies course, however, they are entitled to all the accommodations outlined in their IEPs and are encouraged to communicate with the Special Education Department if they need other supports.
Who are the Special Education educators?
Special Education Department Resources for Parents
The Guide to Special Education for Parents and Guardians provides information about supports and services for students with special education needs in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). It sets out the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) procedures involved in identifying a pupil as “exceptional”, in deciding on program placement and in appealing such decisions when parents do not agree with the IPRC.
Assistive Technology Website - TDSB staff and students have access to Read and Write for Google Chrome, which can be accessed by logging into Chrome using TDSB credentials and adding it as an extension.
TDSB Special Education Brochures:
To learn more, please visit the TDSB Special Education Website or the Ontario Ministry of Education website.