Special Educational Needs: What School Leaders Need to Know

This one-day workshop will survey the clinical characteristics of common developmental and learning disabilities and examine strategies to effectively identify, prioritize and support students who display developmental and learning challenges. Evidence-based practices for developing a truly inclusive culture will be examined along with administrative processes that coordinate and integrate school routines, staff expertise, the allocation of responsibilities and professional development to develop a coherent and aligned programme of support for students with SEN. Evidence-informed strategies for partnering parents will also be covered. The emphasis will be on practical approaches that are appropriate to our Singapore context.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to:

• develop a working knowledge and understanding of the distinctive characteristics of common developmental and learning disabilities, and common misconceptions
• explore how an authentic culture of “inclusiveness” can be developed.
• identify key systemic processes and practical challenges faced in implementation support for students with SEN, and evidence-based best practices
• identify and prioritise how support for students with SEN can be enhanced at their own schools

Target Audience: Cluster Superintendents, Principals, Vice-Principals and Heads of Department