Academic Support

LEARNING SUPPORT CLASSES

Preparatory to Grade 2:

In the lower elementary years, the focus of the Learning Services Team is literacy intervention.  Learning support teachers collaborate with homeroom teachers to identify students who need additional support for literacy skill development.  The support consists, primarily, of  withdrawal support from a learning support teacher.  Students work in small groups to improve  phonological awareness, writing and reading.

A Grade 1 Reading Support Program has also been implemented with the support of numerous parent volunteers.  Children in the beginning phases of reading gain daily practice and guidance reading individually-appropriate texts.

Grades 3-4

Beginning in Grade 3, the focus of learning support changes from literacy intervention to broader support in numeracy, inquiry and literacy.  Academic support in Grades 3 and 4 consists of in-class and withdrawal curriculum support by a learning support teacher. Homeroom and support teachers collaborate to decide on the level of support offered to select students based on individual needs.

Grades 5-6

Academic support in Grades 5 and 6 includes in-class and withdrawal curriculum support by a learning support teacher. Homeroom and support teachers collaborate to decide on the level of support offered to select students based on individual needs.  Additionally, students may be offered curriculum support by homeroom teachers in lieu of French classes.

LEARNING PLANS

Individual Support Plans (ISP) may be developed for students who need to consolidate knowledge, skills and understandings different than those normally targeted for his/her grade level.  Homeroom teachers, learning support teachers and parents collaborate to ensure appropriate expectations are set.  ISPs are reviewed at the beginning and end of every assessment and review period.

EXTENSIONS:

In collaboration with classroom teachers the Learning Services Team strives to meet the needs of exceptional learners through ongoing integrated support in the regular classroom. In keeping with best educational practice, teachers provide differeniated learning experiences to meet the needs of students in all phases of learning.