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 is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.

6. Early Math Intervention Component

This component is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.

7. Professional Assessments Component

This component is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.

8. Special Education and Disabilities Transitions (SEDT) Component

This component is calculated as a base amount and a per pupil amount.