Learning Support
In Oulu, teaching and pupil welfare services are organised according to the local school principle and regional operating model. The aim is that as many pupils as possible can attend school in their own local school with the help of various support measures.
Three-step support - general, intensified and special
Support for learning and school attendance is based on a three-step model where the forms and structures of support are gradually strengthened. The levels of support are general support, intensified support and special support. Support can also be provided to promote the pupil's special strengths.
Every pupil has the right to receive support and guidance for learning and attendance immediately when needed. In intensified support, a pupil needs regular support and several forms of support simultaneously. Starting and organizing intensified learning support is handled based on pedagogical assessment in a multiprofessional collaboration with the guardian and the student welfare staff. The arrangements for support are written in the learning plan.
If the goals and objectives of growth, learning or school attendance are not achieved with intensified support, the pupil is entitled to receive special support. The need for special support is handled as multiprofessional collaboration between the student welfare services and is recorded in a pedagogical report.
The regional manager makes the administrative admission decision on special support. To implement the decision, a plan for arranging individual teaching (HOJKS) is planned. It is required by law that the decision on special support is reviewed after grade 2, before transitioning to grade 7 and always when there emerges changes to the need of support.
Support for learning and school attendance is provided both in local schools and as centralized services in special groups and schools.
Forms of learning support
Support in local schools
Remedial teaching and part-time special education
Every pupil has the right to receive remedial teaching and part-time special education to ensure learning and attendance. Remedial teaching prevents potential challenges in learning and attendance. The starting point is always the pupil's individual need for either preventative or corrective remedial teaching. Remedial teaching can also be in-depth and repetitive.
Part-time special education is offered to pupils who have challenges in learning or attendance. It is provided at all levels of three-tier support with flexible arrangements alongside with general teaching. It can happen for example in form of simultaneous teaching, group teaching or individual teaching.
The school's special education teacher participates in the assessment and planning of the need for support, as well as in the collaboration between the pupil's home and school and in the school's multiprofessional work.
Regional special groups' support
Intensified or special support is primarily executed in the pupil's own teaching group. The pupil can study in a regional special needs group either full-time or as part-time.
The pupil is redirected to a regional special needs group in collaboration between the guardians, the local school and the regional service manager.
Support in special schools
Centralized special education - teaching in special schools
The city's special education school Tierna organises teaching for pupils with special needs alongside the regional services. Teaching is conducted in accordance with the plan for arranging individual teaching (HOJKS).
Attending a special education school is considered individually with the guardian and a multidisciplinary network. The service manager for regional support is also involved in the preparation of the matter.
Tierna School includes Heinätori, Leinonpuisto, Kajaanintulli and Sairaalakoulu Units, as well as Pajaluokat. Special school admits pupils from all city regions. More information can be found on Tierna School website.
A National Centre for Learning and Consulting Valteri is located in Oulu. Education providers are in charge of deciding on the usage of Valteri services.
School assistants
School assistants support pupils' growth and development, functional capacity, learning and school attendance.
They work in various tasks to support pupils in early childhood education and basic education, as well as in afternoon activities.
They work in collaboration with the guardians and the teaching staff.
Flexible basic education JOPO
Flexible basic education - JOPO - offers pupils an opportunity to learn by utilizing their own strengths.
A JOPO class comprises of pupils in grades 8–9. Teaching is organised in Haukipudas, Jokiranta, Jääli, Kaakkuri, Kastelli, Merikoski, Pateniemi, Pitkäkangas, Talvikangas and Yli-Ii Schools.
Teaching is organised in small groups in school, workplaces and other learning environments. Multiprofessional collaboration and support and guidance services are utilized in teaching.