WOODLAND PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL BREAKTHROUGH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Breakthrough Program Our Breakthrough program meets the individual learning needs of students within the framework of Woodland’s curricular requirements. Supporting the belief that students learn in different ways, our learning specialists work with students, faculty, parents, and administrators to identify individual needs and decide how best to address those needs. Woodland’s Breakthrough program offers support for students in 1st-8th grades with an average IQ and a diagnosed learning disability. The goal is to help students strengthen areas of need, build on their strengths, understand how they learn best, and develop the confidence and independence needed for long-term academic success. GRADES 1-4 | BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS Grades 1-4 Breakthrough provides targeted support for students with diagnosed learning disabilities, primarily with a focus on reading. Using research-based, multisensory instruction, the Breakthrough teacher provides individualized and small-group intervention while collaborating with classroom teachers. Areas of Support ✲ Phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding ✲ Reading fluency and comprehension ✲ Executive functioning ✲ Organization and study habits ✲ Classroom and assessment support Grades 1-2 Daily pull-out reading intervention emphasizes foundational literacy skills and includes additional classroom, assessment, and academic support. Grades 3-4 Pull-out reading instruction occurs during the student’s reading block. Lessons align with grade-level curriculum while targeting individual learning needs, with accommodations monitored across subjects.
GRADES 5-8 | BUILDING INDEPENDENCE Middle School Breakthrough shifts toward helping students become independent learners and self-advocates while continuing to provide academic support and accommodations. Students meet with the Breakthrough teacher during scheduled times. Areas of Support ✲ Organization and time management ✲ Executive functioning skills ✲ Study and test-taking strategies ✲ Self-advocacy ✲ Effective use of accommodations ✲ Reviews and re-teaches concepts Additional support may include: ✲ Small-group or individual academic coaching ✲ Study skills and executive functioning coaching ✲ Consultation with families and classroom teachers ✲ Alternative testing locations
OUR PHILOSOPHY: FROM SUPPORT TO SELF-ADVOCACY LOWER SCHOOL: structured, teacher-directed support with accommodations integrated into daily instruction. MIDDLE SCHOOL: increased responsibility for understanding learning needs, using accommodations, and practicing self-advocacy. ULTIMATE GOAL: create confident, independent learners prepared for increasingly rigorous academic expectations.
WOODLAND PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL BREAKTHROUGH PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Breakthrough Program WOODLAND EDUCATION PLAN
Accommodations may include:
Each student enrolled in Breakthrough receives an individualized Woodland Education Plan (WEP), developed annually using current psychoeducational evaluation data and input from parents, teachers, administrators, and the Breakthrough teacher.
✲ Extended time on tests and assignments ✲ Small-group or alternate-location testing ✲ Read-aloud support ✲ Preferential seating ✲ Organizational and executive functioning support
The WEP identifies: ✲ Student strengths and learning challenges ✲ Individual accommodations
✲ Visual schedules ✲ Approved classroom tools and breaks Accommodations are individualized according to documented needs and reviewed regularly for effectiveness.
✲ Academic support ✲ Annual goals
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS ORGANIZATION & STUDY
READING COMPREHENSION
WRITING
MATH
Notebook organization
Organizational content mapping
Process writing
Visual aids
Brainstorming
Formula cards
Checklists
Step-by-step problem solving
Notecard use Study guides Test-taking strategies Memory techniques
Word-attack strategies Context clues
Editing & proofreading
Structural analysis
Time management
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES
To receive academic services and accommodations through Breakthrough, students must have a current, comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation completed by a licensed professional. This evaluation helps the team understand the student’s learning profile and determine appropriate supports. Your child must have a diagnosed learning disability that meets Tennessee eligibility criteria.
Successful support depends on consistent collaboration and communication among the student, family, classroom teachers, and Breakthrough teacher. The team monitors progress, evaluates the effectiveness of accommodations, and adjusts support when appropriate. As students grow, they are increasingly encouraged to participate in this process and practice self-advocacy.
Program Enrollment Enrollment in Breakthrough requires a separate Breakthrough contract and is offered at an additional cost.
admissions@woodlandschool.org
5217 PARK AVENUE | MEMPHIS, TN 38119 | 901.685.0976 | WOODLANDSCHOOL.ORG