The Value of an Audit of Student Support Programming at Your School

Who is included in your learning support program, and who is not? What does that inclusion currently look like, and what possibilities do you envision for the future? If you're aiming to assess your current student support programming and seek guidance on achieving your goals, an audit could be exactly what you need!

The term "audit" often creates unease for many. In the U.K., teachers frequently feel anxious about upcoming inspections, while educators worldwide may find evaluations to be daunting or punitive. An audit might sound like a mere assessment or test, but it is far from that.

A student support audit is a COLLABORATIVE partnership. As I engage with schools to evaluate their learning and student support programs, I align my efforts with their goals and vision. I act as a thought partner, encouraging them to consider expanding their inclusion practices in all dimensions. However, my role as a consultant during the audit is to support the school in navigating its self-identified objectives.

An audit can REFRAME a school's understanding of student support and disability inclusion. It fosters awareness of diverse strategies to meet their goals, helps identify gaps in programming, and uncovers solutions to address these gaps. Below is a general outline of what an audit might involve:

An audit prioritizes LEARNING. I connect with various stakeholders, review policies and programs, ask insightful questions, conduct observations, and facilitate meetings to gain a comprehensive understanding of the programming, policies, culture, and beliefs in place.

The final summary report serves as a STRATEGIC tool for planning the next steps in inclusive program design. It can also aid leadership teams in discussions with boards and other stakeholders. Throughout this process, I will support teams in addressing the needs that arise following the audit.

If you're interested in exploring how an audit can benefit your school, please feel free to reach out: laurenjonesconsulting@gmail.com