Title: Positive Partnerships: Working together to support students on the autism spectrum (Co located and Whole School program)
Course Accreditation: Proficient Teacher
Brief description of the content: Positive Partnerships is funded by the Department of Education and Training as part of the Australian Government’s Helping Children with Autism package. The Co- located and whole school professional learning programs are unique as they aim to strengthen partnerships between home and school. Partnerships will be strengthened by increasing and sharing knowledge and skills around the most effective ways to support individuals on the autism spectrum.
It is intended participants will:
- apply current evidence informed knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and better understand how it directly impacts on a young person’s learning and participation;
- better understand the processes and strategies that strengthen effective partnerships between home and school;
- apply strategies that help identify ways to maximise a young person’s learning in the school and home environment;
- understand and empathise with the experiences of young people on the autism spectrum and their family members;
- make adjustments to curriculum, instruction and the environment according to the needs of the individual student;
- foster an inclusive school culture through productive partnerships between school, home and the broader community;
- share knowledge, skills and experiences with peers through the continuation of a community of practice approach to supporting students with diverse learning needs;
An account of any research or methodology that underpins the course: Positive Partnerships responds to a process of continuous improvement as outlined in our contract with the Department of Education and Training. As part of this process there is a commitment to (1) being up-to-date in relation to the research around autism and trends in relation to education and professional learning, and (2) ongoing collection of data at school and teacher level to ensure all professional leaning programs continue to be evidenced informed and maintain currency.
Brief description of the delivery strategies: The Positive Partnerships professional learning for teachers and other school staff is a professional learning program delivered by trained Positive Partnerships facilitators with expertise and knowledge in the area of autism and education. The program uses a combination of web-based/online learning activities and face to face workshop days.
The program comprises the following Stages
1. Preworkshop: A whole school survey, 2 x online learning modules (1) Introduction to Autism (2) Introduction to the Planning Matrix
2. Workshop: 2 x 7 hours face to face workshop days
3. Post workshop: (1) 4 x online learning activities (2) Whole School Project (3) whole school survey
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Outline of assessment strategies:In response to the online learning components, participants complete (1) an online quiz, (2) develop a Planning Matrix and (3) upload completed templates in response to the 4 online learning activities. They also develop a school action plan and provide a summary of the implementation phase.
Indicative hours: 35
Target group: All stages
Maximum number of participants: 35
Participant costs: $0
Special requirements for participants: Participants are identified through their local diocese, region or sector.
Any recognition available to teachers…: Participants completing the program receive a Certificate of Participation. This program is currently going through the accreditation process with a number of universities to be accredited towards a post-graduate education degree.
Evaluation process for the course:Participants complete a post workshop survey. Follow up interviews will be conducted with a number of participants.