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SSAAM Metro Strategic Planning Review & Relaunch

Fall 2025 – Building on Our Collective PATH Work

1. Purpose

To reflect on SSAAM Metro's collaborative work since the May and June 2025 meetings and to plan next steps. This meeting builds on the previous PATH-inspired sessions by shifting from visioning to implementation and accountability.

2. Strategic Alignment

Metro SSAAM's work continues to align with the SSAAM 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and MASS 2024–2027 pillars, anchored in shared commitments to inclusive education, system collaboration, and advocacy.

3. Key Accomplishments (Spring–Summer 2025)

  • ✅ Shared understanding of MASS–SSAAM alignment
  • ✅ Grouped 'Bold Steps' under Empower, Engage, and Evolve pillars
  • ✅ Identified cross-cutting priorities:
  • – Student-Specific Planning clarity
  • – Inclusion and EA role definition
  • – Mental health and community partnerships
  • – Transitions and CLDS supports
  • – Systemic and cultural shifts in inclusion

4. Themes from PATH Work (Summary of Outcomes)

Student-Specific Planning

  • Shift system mindset and ownership toward teachers, students, and families.
  • Embed clear expectations in teacher preparation and practice.
  • Partner with universities for stronger pre-service training.

'Revolt Against Inclusion'

  • Promote inclusion through appropriate programming, not placement.
  • Offer PD for EAs and parents on neurodiversity and AEP.
  • Support safe learning environments with shared understanding.

Breaking the Cycle

  • Respond with empathy and long-term planning for students who struggle.
  • Integrate trauma-informed, neurodevelopmental, and land-based learning.
  • Encourage less siloed, more connected systems.

Generations Strained (Youth Mental Health)

  • Collaborate with CMHA, WRHA, and Huddle on shared training initiatives.
  • Include parent and youth voices in planning.
  • Host interagency alignment meetings.

CLDS & Transition (18–21 Years)

  • Invite CLDS and transition partners to future SSAAM meetings.
  • Share case studies of successful student transitions.
  • Advocate for flexible, student-driven post-school pathways.

EA & Support Staff Roles

  • Reimagine support roles (EA, HCA, Rehab, Behaviour Assistants).
  • Pilot staffing models aligned with student needs.
  • Partner with training organizations for sustainable implementation.

5. Where We Are Now (Fall 2025)

SSAAM Metro has completed its initial PATH work and established shared foundations across all pillars. The focus now shifts to implementation, measuring impact, and continuing collaboration.

6. Suggested Directions for the Fall Meeting

  1. Create a Progress Dashboard – Track what's been implemented and identify remaining gaps.
  1. Form Short-Term Working Circles – One per theme (SSP Clarity, Mental Health, Transitions, etc.).
  1. Use a Plan–Do–Review Framework – Each pillar reports on actions, impact, and next needs.
  1. Prepare a December SSAAM Conference Report – Share Metro's leadership and outcomes.

Notes and Reflections

Use this space to record key takeaways, next steps, and actions identified during the discussion.