A little bit about me.....
• Teaching for around 20 years
• Mainstream teacher, STLA, DSTLA, Support Class
teacher, LaST
• Sanctuary Point Public School - Assistant Principal
• SPPS - 490 students, 5 support classes
• Supervise support classes, coordinate the LST&
funding for all support programs in the school
SLSOs at SPPS.....
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5 permanent SLSOs support classes
SLSO support Mainstream (SLSP)
Funding Support
Multilit Program
Out of Home Care
Workshop....
Qualities
Game
Questions
Making An Impact
• The credibility of a School Learning Support Officer hinges on
their competence and their ability to perform in their role. This
means that the School Learning Support Officer needs
excellent communication skills, the ability to work well in a
team and the skills and knowledge specific to the job. (School
Learning Support Officer Information Handbook 2013)
Top Three Qualities
• Professionalism
• Effective Communicator
• Team Player
Professionalism
Knowing what your role is:
• “Under the supervision and direction of a teacher, a School Learning
Support Officer, in respect of students enrolled in special schools
and classes, is responsible to the principal or supervisor for:
Providing assistance in school routines
Classroom activities, and
Care and management of students with disabilities and
behaviour disorders.” (SLSO Role Statement 2009)
Professionalism
Knowing what your role is NOT:
• Assuming responsibility for performing a duty that is primarily
teaching in nature.
• Taking responsibility for classroom management, behaviour,
teaching or supervision of students.
Professionalism
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Employment Conditions (Handbook for Non Teaching Staff in Schools)
Work Health & Safety Act 2011 (Effective 2012)
Code of Conduct
Child Protection Training
Every Student, Every School Initiative
Commonwealth Disability Standards for Education 2005
Professionalism
• Knowing the student/s (IEPs, PLPs, Health Care Plans,
Risk Assessments)
• Knowing the role and responsibilities of other staff
members
• Following school rules, routines & procedures
• Professional Development
Professionalism
Being:
• punctual
• organised
• flexible
• reliable
• positive
Professionalism
• Using appropriate terminology
Recognises the person
before their disability!
• Dressing appropriately
Effective Communication
• Effective communication, both verbal & non verbal, is
vital to the role of a SLSO and teacher.
Communication - Students
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Listening
Visuals /Signing
Technology
Knowing the student
Encouraging independence
Being consistent
Communication
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YES
NO
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YES
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YES
NO
YES
NO
Roles are clearly defined
Confusion
Student plans are discussed
Plans not adequately implemented
Using appropriate communication channels
Uncertainty
Organised meeting time / Same Page
On the job / Mixed messages
Professional & positive
Issues / Toxic
Confidentiality
– the handling and disclosure of confidential
information
• All forms of communication need to be on a strictly
professional level.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means:
• Respecting the privacy rights of students, teachers,
other staff and families
• Seeking approval prior to reading, writing, discussing
or distributing information
• Using appropriate communication channels within the
school
• Maintaining a professional relationship with students,
parents and carers
(School Learning Support Officer Information Handbook 2013)
Team Player
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Collaborating with staff
Learning Support Team
Attending Meetings
Sharing expertise
Committees
Participating in school events