SIAS Policy

Question 1

SIAS

Answer 1

Screening Identification Assessment & Support

Question 2

What is SIAS?

Answer 2

SIAS is a policy which functions as a strategic lever introduced by the DBE to improve education and support for learners who experience barriers to learning

Question 3

What is the purpose of the SIAS policy?

Answer 3

• improve access to quality ed for all
• manage & support the teaching and learning process
• establish seamless system of identification & intervention
• direct the system to plan & budget for support at all levels
• ensure the transformation of the ed system towards inclusion
• provide guidelines on enrolling learners in special schools
• put in place protocol

Question 4

Principles of the SIAS policy

Answer 4

• Organising principles
• Support principles
• Assessment principles
• Decision-making principles

Question 5

Key organising principles

Answer 5

• every child has the right to reasonable accommodation in an inclusive setting
• no child may be refused admission to a school based on a decision taken through the SIAS process without being able to appeal that refusal
• intrinsic & extrinsic factors must be taken into account when evaluating the impact on the child’s learning & access

Question 6

What does “assessment” refer to in SIAS?

Answer 6

It refers to assessment to determine learning barriers, not scholastic achievement assessments

Question 7

Who are the role players in the community-based support system?

Answer 7

• School-based support team
• District-based support team
• Special schools as resources
• Full service schools

Question 8

What is the role of the DBST?

Answer 8

• Linking institutions with formal and informal support systems where additional support can be obtained
• facilitating collaboration
• Support teachers and school management to address full range of needs of learners

Question 9

Role of SBST?

Answer 9

• Study the report provided by the teacher on barriers identified and support provided up to that point and the impact of the support.
• Assess support needed and develop a programme for teacher
• Provide training/support
• Evaluate & monitor programme implemented

Question 10

The teacher’s role

Answer 10

• use learner profiles to plan intervention and support
• accommodate diversity & make learning accessible to all in class
• uncover barriers using sound observations & interviews
• consult SBST
• differentiate teaching & assessment

Question 11

Three stages of SIAS process

Answer 11

1. Initial Screening guided by learner profile
2. Identifying & addressing learning barriers at a school level
3. Identifying & addressing barriers at a district level

Question 12

Screening is…
once-off / ongoing

Answer 12

Screening is ongoing as teachers constantly assess & monitor students’ progress both formally and informally as part of the learning process

Question 13

Documents for learner profile:

Answer 13

• admission form
• Road to Health booklet
• Integrated School Health Programme reports
• Year-end school reports
• reports from parents, professionals & other stakeholders
• reports from child’s teacher

Question 14

Stage 1: SNA1

Answer 14

Support Needs Assessment form 1 completed by caregiver with teacher

Question 15

What happens at stage 2 of the SIAS process?

Answer 15

An Individual Support Plan is created and reviewed every term.

If it is proving unsuccessful, the SBST is consulted

Question 16

Parents’ involvement in the SIAS process?

Answer 16

• parents have the right to be informed at all stages of the process
• parents have the right to be informed about learner’s support needs & the school’s support plan