Student Support
The Student Support Department plays a vital role in ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The goal of all programs in the Student Support Department is to provide specialized support to each student according to their identified academic and/or social and emotional needs in order to help them reach their full potential. This approach emphasizes both high expectations and robust, tailored support systems to ensure that all students are challenged to excel while also receiving the necessary resources to overcome any barriers to their success.
Lower School
English Language Development (ELD)The English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to support students who are learning English as an additional language. It provides structured instruction to help students develop the skills needed to succeed academically while becoming proficient in English. This program is essential in ensuring that students can fully participate in all aspects of school life, from academics to social interactions, and can access grade-level content effectively.
A key component in determining eligibility and placing students into the ELD program is the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) assessment, which measures the English language proficiency of students. WIDA uses a comprehensive set of standards and assessments to evaluate the language skills of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Intervention ProgramThe Tier 2 Math and Literacy Intervention Program in lower school is designed to provide extra support for students who need additional help in the areas of literacy and math. While most students learn well in the regular classroom setting, some benefit from additional instruction to help them build their skills. This is where the Tier 2 intervention program comes in.
The goal of Tier 2 interventions is to give students the focused help they need as they work toward meeting grade-level expectations in math and/or reading. These interventions target specific areas where students might be struggling, such as understanding basic math concepts, improving reading fluency, or expanding vocabulary. The services are personalized and flexible, designed to meet the needs of each child. The Interventionist is a specialist who works with students to help them improve in the areas of math and literacy. The Interventionist is a key part of the Tier 2 program and works closely with classroom teachers to understand what each student needs and then tailors lessons to address those needs.
Learning SupportThe Learning Support Program is designed to provide individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring they have the necessary tools, accommodations, and strategies to succeed. The program is tailored to support students who have identified needs which require individualized instruction and/or accommodations to allow them to fully access the general education program. By fostering an inclusive learning environment, the Learning Support Program seeks to ensure that all students, inclusive of their individual needs, can access and benefit from educational opportunities, reach their full potential, and develop the skills necessary for future success. Students are identified for participation in the Learning Support Program through a process of observation, assessment, and collaboration among educators, parents, and other professionals. Various diagnostic tools, including standardized tests, classroom observations, and input from parents and teachers, in addition to assessments provided by outside specialists, help determine the specific needs of a student. Once a student’s needs are identified, a team of educators, specialists, and family members work together to create a Student Education Plan (SEP). The SEP is an individualized plan that outlines the student’s unique learning needs, goals, and the strategies that will be implemented to support their academic progress. |
Meet Our LS Student Support Department
Upper School
English Language Development
The English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to support students who are learning English as an additional language. It provides structured instruction to help these students develop the skills needed to succeed academically while becoming proficient in English. This program is essential in ensuring that students can fully participate in all aspects of school life, from academics to social interactions, and can access grade-level content effectively.
A key component in determining eligibility and placing students into the ELD program is the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment) assessment, which measures the English language proficiency of students. WIDA uses a comprehensive set of standards and assessments to evaluate the language skills of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
In grades 7-10, students who are eligible for English Language Development will take a Study Skills class in order to receive instruction that enhances their English language skills.
Learning Support
The Learning Support Program is designed to provide individualized assistance to Upper School students with diverse learning needs, ensuring they have the necessary tools, accommodations, and strategies to succeed. The program is tailored to support students who have identified needs which require individualized instruction and/or accommodations to allow them to fully access the general education program. By fostering an inclusive learning environment, the Learning Support Program seeks to ensure that all students, inclusive of their individual needs, can access and benefit from educational opportunities, reach their full potential, and develop the skills necessary for future success.
Students are identified for participation in the Learning Support Program through a process of observation, assessment, and collaboration among educators, parents, and other professionals. Various diagnostic tools, including standardized tests, classroom observations, and input from parents and teachers, in addition to assessments provided by outside specialists, help determine the specific needs of a student. Once a student’s needs are identified, a team of educators, specialists, and family members work together to create a Student Education Plan (SEP). The SEP is an individualized plan that outlines the student’s unique learning needs, goals, and the strategies that will be implemented to support their academic progress.
In grades 7-10, students with an SEP will have a class called, “Study Skills.” This class provides an opportunity for students to study in a structured environment, ask questions, and develop their organizational skills. In grades 11-12, students with an SEP will have access to Learning Support before and after school as well as during TOK and/or WIN time on occasion.
Meet Our US Student Support Department
