Learning Support in Lower School

In the Lower School, Learning Specialists utilize grade-level progress, teacher and parent referrals, as well as test results to identify students who require additional assistance in developing pre-reading/reading, writing, and math skills. Assessments to inform progress include: CTOPP (Comprehensive Test of Phonological  Processing) in kindergarten; IMSE reading benchmarks, spelling inventories, and math assessments in grades 1-4; and MAP Growth standardized assessments in grades 3 and 4. Learning Specialists utilize an Orton-Gillingham approach to teach reading, spelling, and writing. Explicit, multisensory teaching is designed to promote learning and enhance memory.  Currently, students who benefit from additional support meet with a Learning Specialist twice per week for targeted instruction.