Just in case there is a potential new student or parent out there in NBCDES' catchment area wondering what Learning Assistance looks like at a Distance Education school, I thought I'd write a bit about it. When students are unable to do grade level work (for whatever reason... intellectual disability, autism, etc...) then they come and work with me. I assess the student to find what the he/she is currently able to do and then design an academic program to meet individual needs. I assess and report on the students' progress and monitor it closely to make sure the student is being challenged, yet having success. Some students complete a fully modified school program and earn a Leaving Certificate at the end of Grade 12. Some other students fill in the gaps in their schooling and move back into the regular academic stream to earn their Dogwood Diploma. A very exciting new development in my experience is a student graduating with her Leaving Certificate AND entering the dual credit program with a local college to earn her college diploma in a trades program by the end of her Grade 12 year. (Wow. When I started teaching, I didn't even know things like this were possible.)
On a daily basis, this looks like... parent/student meetings... me scrambling around the building putting assignments and units together to send out... scanning and marking student work... and a bit of administrative paperwork just to keep me on my toes. I'm really pleased to have the privilege of matching students with the right assignments and coursework. It's challenging, but very fulfilling.
Hi. My name is Mrs. Lana Clarke and I am a Learning Assistant and Inclusion teacher here at NBCDES. I originally studied biology at the University of Northern British Columbia before I completed a secondary education degree and became a teacher.