Post Primary Panel Discussion:

• Content of Assessment and recording information - This section will concentrate on the need for assessment and the types of assessments used in post-primary schools. It will give an overview of cognitive ability assessments and how we use the information gathered to provide support for students. It will give details and examples of literacy and handwriting assessments that can be used for RACE testing. As well as a brief overview of math assessments and a few informal assessments used in schools. These assessments can be used for assessing for Irish exemptions, RACE,gathering information for outside professionals and for identifying students who need targeted interventions.
• Content of the SEN Class - This section will concentrate on the variety of content that could be covered during a SEN withdrawal class.  While team teaching is often the best use of allocated SEN time there are times when a withdrawal class is preferable, particularly at the moment when there are restrictions due to Covid guidance and space. Useful methodologies and resources will also be discussed. 
• Collaboration with Class Teachers Post Primary - Effective collaboration with colleagues is crucial for a cohesive teaching and learning experience for our students. In Post Primary schools collaborating with many teachers can be a challenge. I am looking forward to sharing my experience of successful collaboration between the SETs and the mainstream teachers.

Bio of Presenters:

Helen Clinch

Since completing a Bachelor of Art and Theology in 2007 and a postgraduate diploma in Education in 2011 Helen Clinch has taught for 10 years as a mainstream teacher and  learning support. 5 years ago, she decided to further her studies and completed a certificate in special education and inclusion in DCU. She then began teaching as an ASD co-ordinator in a post-primary ASD unit and the following year undertook the role of SENCO in the same school. Last year she moved schools and became an ASD co-ordinator in a brand new ASD unit in Carrickmacross with a new ASD classroom added this year. She has completed lots of other training and CPD around SEN and hopes to help other teachers new to SET find their feet.

Natalie Doyle Bradley

Since completing an undergraduate degree in Art, Craft and Design Education in 1995, Natalie has continued her academic studies with a Higher Diploma in ICT for Education, a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, a Graduate Certificate in the Education of Pupils on the Autism Spectrum and a Masters in Educational Leadership.  She recently published her first peer reviewed academic article on work related stress among Irish Special Educational Teachers. Currently a practicing post-primary Special Education Teacher, Natalie is also a part-time associate working with the Level 1/Level 2 Learning Program Team with JCT.  Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) is a continuing professional development (CPD) support service of the Department of Education and Skills. Natalie founded the Facebook group ‘Special Education Teachers Ireland Supporting Each Other’ in 2017 in response to an emerging need for an accessible peer support network helping Irish SET share their extensive knowledge, skills and values as and when needed.

Niamh O'Connor

Niamh began her career as an actress after qualifying with a Bachelor in Theatre Studies from TCD. Niamh always had an interest in the area of additional needs and this, combined with her love for theatre, lead her onto completing her masters in Dramatherapy from NUIG Maynooth. After a series of serendipitous events, Niamh ended up completing her PGDE in English and going on to do a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education teaching. Niamh has worked in the area of Special Education for the past sixteen years. One of her greatest learning curves was working as part of the team that established Ireland’s first ASD class attached to a secondary mainstream school. Niamh went on to work as a Behaviour for Learning teacher, ASD coordinator and SEN coordinator of an all boys Deis secondary school in the infamous North Monastery CBS in Cork City. Niamh lectures on the Autism Studies course in UCC and guest lectures annually on the Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education. Niamh is currently Deputy Principal of St Mary’s High School, Midleton, Co Cork.