LEARNING SUPPORT (LS)

Program Area Philosophy Summary

We believe that...

• all students can learn at a high level

• learning in a diverse environment benefits all community members: Students, Staff, and Parents

We believe that to fulfill their potential, students must:

• develop self-knowledge

• advocate for themselves

• develop compensatory strategies

• capitalize on their strengths

• learn emotional coping skills

• develop grit

• take initiative

• cultivate and use support systems

• set challenging, achievable goals

We believe that students with learning needs learn best when:

• they are educated with typically developing peers to the maximum extent appropriate

• they receive early intervention and flexible, individualized support

• their teachers collaborate to meet their needs and use a body of learning evidence to make decisions about how best to support students

• their parents are involved in supporting their child’s learning and development, sharing information about their child, and making decisions about how best to support their child

• they are involved in decision making to the extent that it is developmentally appropriate

• the learning environment is safe and nurturing, and encourages academic risk taking

Additional Program Information

A Middle School Admissions committee reviews files of incoming students with learning needs to review previous special programming and any past or existing IEPs. This information is used to determine appropriate tier placement for potential students.

Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) approach, sometimes referred to as a Response To Intervention (RTI), the Middle School Learning Support program offers three levels of support: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. All students receive Tier 1 support through differentiation in the classroom. Tier 2 or 3 support is a possible outcome of a student entering the referral process due to teacher and/or parent concerns. Students identified as needing additional support in Tier 1 will be placed into Tier 2 to receive interventions. Parents are notified when this occurs. If a student does not make adequate growth in Tier 2, a meeting will be held to determine next steps, which might include Tier 3. Students receiving Tier 3 support must complete relevant assessments and have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Most students receiving Tier 3 support are placed in an Intensive Studies class to receive direct support in working toward meeting their IEP goals.

Speech and/or Language Therapy: Therapy is available through the Learning Support Program to students who qualify for these services.

Course Standards

Each student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with specific academic, speech/language, social, physical, and/or executive functioning skills goals and objectives. These goals are based on each students’ areas for growth.