Special Needs Programming
Our McNally students enrolled in special education programming will receive instruction determined by Alberta Education, as well as specialized supports based on their needs and abilities. We provide programming in both Community Living Skills (CLS) and Interactions Programs. We are proud to champion the rights of all our CLS and Interactions students by fostering inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for every student to thrive, grow, and lead. In establishing this shared vision, we are committed to fostering a growth-oriented and collaborative school community where every member feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to advocate for disability rights, inclusion, and the celebration of disability pride.
Community Learning Skills
Community Learning Skills (CLS) programming supports students with a range of learning and developmental needs who benefit from individualized support across multiple areas of development. Students may have physical, sensory, medical, communication, or behavioural needs. The program builds on each student’s strengths and abilities while supporting their growth, independence, meaningful participation, and preparation for a successful transition to adulthood and life beyond high school.
CLS Programming Focus
- Building literacy skills through emergent and conventional literacy approaches
- Developing numeracy and functional math skills
- Strengthening communication, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Developing social skills and creating meaningful opportunities for connection
- Building community awareness, participation, and real-world experiences
- Developing positive relationships and a sense of belonging
- Building independence and skills for life beyond high school
Program Delivery
- A safe, welcoming, and structured learning environment with predictable routines
- Individualized support based on each student’s strengths, needs, and goals
- Smaller class sizes that allow for targeted instruction and meaningful support
- Opportunities to learn, connect, and participate alongside peers throughout the school
- Meaningful learning experiences within the school and broader community
- A focus on building independence, self-advocacy, and preparing students for adulthood
Interactions
The Interactions Program supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program builds on students’ strengths while supporting communication, social connections, emotional well-being, problem-solving, academics, and independence. Learning is personalized to each student’s strengths, needs, and goals, helping them grow and thrive at school and beyond.
Interactions General Information Video
Interactions Information Video for Jr and Sr. High
Interactions Programming Focus
- Building communication and social interaction skills
- Supporting emotional regulation, self-awareness, and problem-solving
- Developing sensory awareness and strategies for self-regulation
- Strengthening academic skills through individualized programming
- Building independence, self-advocacy, and confidence
- Developing positive relationships and meaningful connections
- Creating opportunities for participation, belonging, and success within the school community
Program Delivery
- A safe, welcoming, and predictable learning environment
- Individualized support based on each student’s strengths, needs, and goals
- Explicit teaching and practice of social, communication, and regulation skills
- Access to sensory supports and strategies that promote comfort, engagement, and learning
- Flexible approaches that support different learning and communication styles
- Opportunities to connect and participate with peers throughout the school and community
- A focus on developing skills for greater independence and a successful transition to adulthood
- Opportunities to join other classes for instruction in a student’s areas of strength