Markham District High School has a range of Special Education programs to enhance the needs of students identified as exceptional through the IPRC process (Identification, Placement and Review Committee). Students receive an IEP (Individual Education Plan) that outlines the specific accommodations needed as decided by a psycho-educational assessment by a qualified psychologist.
Gifted
The Gifted program is available in grades 9 and 10 for those students identified as Intellectually Gifted. It is based on Ministry curriculum expectations which differentiate through depth, breadth, pace and kind to address students learning needs and styles. All courses are taught by subject department teachers and include Math, English, and Science, grade 9 Geography and grade 10 History. Students are mentored by a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT). Some departments offer senior level enriched courses as well as AP (advanced placement) to provide the additional learning opportunities for gifted students in grades 11 and 12.
Learning Strategies Skills for Success in Secondary School
Grade 9 and 10 (GLE10/GLE20)
These courses focus on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve and achievement in school, the workplace and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond. The grade 9 program will focus on strategies for success in high school and the grade 10 course provides support for students to prepare for the OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test).
Grade 11 and 12 (GLE30/GLE40)
These courses improve student's learning and personal management skills, preparing them to make successful transitions to work, training and/or post-secondary education destinations. Students will access their learning abilities and use literacy, numeracy, research skills and personal management techniques to maximize their learning. Students will investigate trends and resources to support their post-secondary employment, training and/or educational choices and develop and plan to help them meet their individual goals.
Levels of Service Available
Provided to students that are placed in all regular classes. It is determined that the student has the necessary advocacy and independent skills to be successful with minimal support from the Special Education Department. A SERT will monitor their progress and meet periodically with the student to determine any necessary supports. An IEP will be developed and given to their teachers to outline their specific accommodations.
In-class resource support from a Special Education Department member is determined by the individual student needs and as outlined in the IEP. All accommodations are monitored by a resource teacher (SERT) in consultation with the classroom teacher.
Students take seven regular classes and one Learning Strategies class taught by the SERT. This teacher will develop the IEP in consultation with the student and parent/guardian. These courses provide the student with direct access and support from the Special Education teacher every other day for the entire school year.
Students receive 50% of their program from a Special Education teacher, in a specifically designed program, as determined by an IPRC.
The Special Education Department provides all Special Education students a safe, supportive and caring environment to assist with all their personal and educational needs. The room offers a quiet place to work on assignments or class work; complete any evaluations including tests, exams and summatives under the supervision of Special Education staff members.
Staff Members
| Staff Member | Phone Extension |
|---|---|
| Z. Daxler (Subject Head) | 527 |
| M. Takla (Interim Assistant Subject Head) | 110 |