Learning support

Learning Support, in this context, refers to support given to students who are in need of supplementary teaching in order to function effectively in the mainstream classroom. In our international school this might involve focusing on specific learning difficulties, speech therapy or behavioural therapy.

Aim of System

The Learning Support system aims to:

• identify students needing specific support
• involve parents
• optimise the various specialists­­ use of time
• provide Individual Educational Plans for each student
• provide help for class teachers
• monitor student progress

Classroom observation
Teachers will provide anecdotal evidence from classroom observation of students.

Flagging of Students
Following screening or teacher observation, students may be referred to the Learning Support Committee. Parents will be contacted at this stage.

Initial Formal Screening
The Learning Support teachers will carry out further testing and may also observe the student in the classroom.

A variety of tests may be used:

• Neale Analysis of Reading Ability - a diagnostic and attainment test which provides summative measures of reading accuracy, comprehension and reading rate.
• Aston Index – a classroom test for screening and diagnosis of learning difficulties
• Lucid Rapid Dyslexia Screening Programme offers quick screening for dyslexia in the 4 – 15 age range
• Slingerland Screening Tests  - administered to Year 1 and Year  2 students to identify children with specific language difficulties
• The Vernon Graded Word Spelling Test – administered to students in the 6 – 12 age range to determine their spelling age
• The Vernon Graded Arithmetic – Mathematics Test – comprised of open-ended or completion type questions for students age 6 – 11+.  The test allows determination of student’s mathematical age in relation to their chronological age
• Cognitive Profiling System (CoPS) – a computerised assessment system for the early identification of dyslexia and can also help to identify other cognitive difficulties that can interfere with children’s learning
• Lucid Assessment System for Schools (LASS Junior) is a computerized system for assessing the strengths and weaknesses in learning of students aged 8 to 11 years.

Learning Support Committee
The assistant principal, relevant class teachers and learning support teachers will form the Learning Support committee. The committee will discuss all students referred to them. Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for referred students will be created. Parents will be informed of these plans and permission to begin will be sought.

This plan may include:

• classroom help
• lessons with learning support teacher
• referral to the educational psychologist
• referral to the speech therapist
• referral to the behavioural therapist

Student progress will be reported to and monitored by the committee.

Classroom Help
The Learning Support teacher, the educational psychologist or speech therapist will give advice and support to the class teacher. It is in the best interest of the student that all information from outside agencies is shared with the learning support team.

Note
The Individual Educational Plan of students who are currently receiving Learning Support will be regularly evaluated and updated accordingly.