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Aims of the Learning Support Programme
The Learning Support Programme aims to
- identify students needing specific learning support
- establish a clearly defined referral system by which teachers are able to refer students requiring learning support
- involve parents
- optimise the availability of specialists (e.g. educational psychologist, speech therapist, behavioural psychologist)
- provide Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for each student in the LS programme
- provide advice and support for classroom teachers
- regularly monitor the progress of students in the LS programme
Learning Support Committee
The relevant section principals, classroom/subject teachers and learning support teachers will form the Learning Support Committee. The committee will discuss all students referred to them and decide upon admission into the programme.
Previous Records
Students new to ISL may be referred to the Learning Support Committee and admitted into the LS programme based upon previous school records and specialist reports that have identified specific learning difficulties.
Flagging of Students
Teachers may refer students to the Learning Support Committee. Based upon classroom observation, teachers will provide anecdotal evidence. Parents will be contacted at this stage.
Initial Formal Screening
The Learning Support teachers will carry out further testing and may also observe the ‘flagged’ student in the classroom.
Individual Educational Plans
Individual Educational Plans (IEP) will be created for students admitted into the programme by the Learning Support Committee. Parents will be informed of these plans and permission to begin learning support will be sought.
This plan may include
- classroom help
- lessons with the learning support teacher
- referral to an educational psychologist
- referral to a speech therapist
- referral to a behavioural therapist
Student progress will be reported to and monitored by the committee. The IEPs of students who are currently receiving educational support will be regularly evaluated and updated accordingly.
Referral to a Specialist
The Learning Support Committee may feel it is in the student’s best interest to be referred to a specialist (educational psychologist, speech therapist, behavioural therapist) for more detailed testing. The cost of specialist testing by outside agencies is the responsibility of the parents. Although the results of specialist testing are the property of the parents, it is in the best interest of the student that all information from outside agencies is shared with the Learning Support Committee.
Classroom Help
The learning support teacher and the specialists will give advice and support to the class teacher.
Exit from the Learning Support Programme
The Learning Support Committee will decide when a student is ready to exit the LS programme. Parents will be notified when a student has achieved the age-appropriate level in the areas of difficulty. Students who exit the program will continue to be monitored by the Learning Support Committee.
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