At a recent PRSN workshop focussed on Addressing Newcomers’ Educational Needs & Challenges , three experienced presenters shared valuable insights on such topics as advocating for special needs children, supporting adult newcomers with limited literary skills, and assisting newcomers get a high school education. The workshop was rich in detail and information and provided a significant learning opportunity for those who attended. If you missed it, don’t worry, a recording of the event is now available on the PRSN website.
According to Stephanie Beltrame, responsible for special needs children, London District Catholic School Board, learning difficulties occurring simultaneously with additional language acquisition challenges are rare, yet these are often overidentified. She emphasized that school boards need protocols to ensure both ESL and Special Education services. Transition plans will focus on oral, reading, student writing and math skills. Students requiring special education do not need time to learn English first, because language decoding difficulties can appear in Multi Language Learners.
Joseph Prado, from COSTI Immigrant Services, Toronto, addressed the challenges faced by newcomers with limited or no ability to read and write in English. Many of these individuals may not have had formal education, lack confidence, or struggle with limited study skills. He shared strategies like connecting learners to a new alphabet using words they already know, teaching writing before reading (starting with the actual mechanics of penmanship), and encouraging students to create their own sentences. He also introduced the concept of decoding written text allowing us to try out how it works, in addition to emphasizing the crucial role of sponsors in supporting a learner’s journey, and fostering peer support to boost achievement.
David Laredo and Frances Guo from TVOntario introduced an opportunity for permanent residents with an Ontario Education Number (OEN) through TVO’s independent learning program. For just $40 per course, newcomers with an OEN number can enroll in over 150 online courses to earn a Canadian Adult Education credential (CAEC), working at their own pace. This independent learning offers high quality learning activities, free resources and free tutoring – all in a fully digital format.