In the Lower School, learning specialists rely on test results as well as teacher referrals to identify students who require additional assistance in developing pre-reading/reading, writing, and math skills. Testing includes the following: CTOPP (Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing) in kindergarten; DRA’s (Developmental Reading Inventories), spelling inventories, and math assessments in grades 1-4; and ERB tests (Educational Records Bureau) in grades 3 and 4. Specialists utilize an Orton-Gillingham approach to teach reading, spelling, and writing. Explicit, multi-sensory teaching is designed to promote learning and enhance memory. Currently, students requiring support have two weekly meetings with the specialist for targeted instruction.