Assistant Principal Report

IEP (individual Education Plan) and SSG (Student Support Group)

Melton West PS is currently in the process of conducting SSG Meetings with a number of our parents and carers. The teachers have written IEPs that will be discussed at this meeting.

IEPs assist students who require a range of supports with their education. An IEP is a written statement that describes the adjustments, goals and strategies to meet a student’s individual educational needs so they can reach their full potential. IEPs are also known as individual learning plans, individual learning improvement plans and Koorie education learning plans.

Teachers already undertake many activities that personalise learning experiences for students. An IEP outlines clear educational goals for the student and is strengths-based with a focus on the student’s potential to achieve positive educational outcomes. The IEP includes short-term goals that will lead to the achievement of long-term goals and is developed in consultation with the student, parent/carer and teacher. The IEP is reviewed regularly and acknowledges and celebrates the achievement of student progress.

The SSG (Student support Group) is responsible for developing and implementing an Individual Education Plan (IEP). An SSG meeting includes a Principal/Principal Nominee member, a teacher and/or a Year Level Coordinator and the Parent/carer(s). There may also be an interpreter and an allied health person.

Parent/carer(s) are responsible for providing a holistic view of their child and providing information on the effectiveness of past strategies and programs. They also contribute to the development and monitoring of the goals and strategies of their child’s teaching and learning program. 

SSG meetings are important because they document the teaching and learning adjustments for your child and the formal goals or objectives that the teaching team will be pursuing for the next 3 to 6 months. It is your chance to influence the goals that are set and how the school will endeavour to achieve them.  As a parent, you know your child and your input will be valuable in the team considering what academic and social goals should be pursued, when they should be pursued and how best to achieve them.

You are involved to ensure that the IEP outcomes are in the best interests of your child and to bring your long-term vision and aspirations for your child to the table. Don’t undervalue the importance of your role in the IEP process. Remember, your child only grows up once, so take the time and effort to maximise the long-term outcomes of their schooling experience.

Kind regards

Jennifer O’Connor

Assistant Principal.