Section 4B - Differentiated Needs Allocation (DNA)

This allocation addresses the variation among school boards with respect to students with special education needs and school boards’ abilities to respond to those needs.

TAB: 4B. INPUT - DNA

This tab is for school boards to input the headcount and expenses for multi-disciplinary teams (MDT). The data is used in the calculation of the Multi-Disciplinary Supports Component. School boards generate funding based on the number of MDT members employed, up to a maximum of four.

1. Measures of Variability (MOV) Component

• Item 1.1 (Measures of Variability (MOV) Amount): This is a table amount in the funding regulation, and makes up the majority of the funding under this component.

• Items 1.2, 1.3 (Northern Supports Amount, Integrated Supports Amount): These amounts support a regional collaboration model that serves all northern school boards and school authorities through three regional cooperatives. The funding is provided to the three cooperative lead boards:

  • District School Board Ontario North East for the Northeast cooperative
  • Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for the Northwest cooperative
  • Conseil Scolaire Public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario for the French cooperative

Items 1.2 and 1.3 are grouped together in a separate sub-envelope (Special Education - Northern Adjustment) on Data Form A2 - Special Education. The Northern Adjustment funding is excluded from the calculation of base fees on Appendix B (which appears in the Estimates cycle only).

2. Special Education Statistical Prediction Model (SESPM) Component

This is a table amount in the funding regulation.

3. Collaboration and Integration Base Component

This component provides every school board with a minimum level of base funding, to enable them to explore collaborative and integrated approaches to serving students with special education needs. It is a benchmark in the funding regulation.

4. Multi-Disciplinary Supports Component

This component includes:

• Multi-disciplinary Team Amount (item 4.3): the maximum funding amount is 4 x the funding benchmark. However, if a school board reports less than 4 at item 4.1, the calculated funding will be (item 4.1 ÷ 4) x the funding benchmark.

• Other Staffing Resources Amount (item 4.4): this is a table amount in the funding regulation.

5. Local Special Education Priorities Component

This component provides funding to school boards to enhance support for students with special education needs. It is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.

6. Early Math Intervention Component

This component provides funding to support early math intervention for elementary students with special education needs. It is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.

7. Professional Assessments Component

This component provides funding for school boards to conduct professional assessments (e.g., speech and language, psycho-educational) to help reduce wait times. It is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.