Return to flip book view

Upper School Learning Support

Page 1

UPPER SCHOOLLEARNING SUPPORTwoodward.eduThe Upper School Learning Support Center is designed to provide additional learning support and resources to Upper School students. The center is a multifunctional lab used to support a variety of learners and their specific needs. Services of the learning center include connecting learners with stu-dent and adult tutors, providing space for extended time for testing and make-up testing, suggesting appropri-ate learning support courses, and help-ing students form study groups.“”“At the Upper School, our Learning Support courses are designed to combine academic support with a defined pathway to self-advocacy in preparation for college and beyond. We pride ourselves in helping to enhance each students’ executive functioning skills while assisting them in charting their personal paths to success.”-Jonathan Merrill, Ph.D.Upper School Principal“Tools for Success is a class that helps me strive academically by allowing a selec-tive time during the day to complete my homework. This class also prepares me for success by providing life lessons and skills that will help me later in life!” -Transition Student“Study Strategies is such a helpful class because not only do I learn how to stay organized and study, but I also get to use a lot of class time to get work done. My Study Strategies teacher also is a great resource when it comes to having questions regarding teachers and cocurriculars.”-Transition StudentLEARNING SUPPORT CENTER

Page 2

UPPER SCHOOLLEARNING SUPPORTwoodward.eduACCOMMODATIONSKendra Clemons, Woodward’s Coordinator of Academic Support, writes formal accommodation plans for grade 7-12 students with diagnosed learning differences who need academic accommodations such as extended time, preferen-tial seating, use of a calculator or computer, and assistance with note-taking. Accommodations are based on recent educational testing and do not allow for modification of content, but rather inform and support teachers by offering alternative methods to teaching content and specific strategies to assist those who learn differently. Accommodations also provide documentation when students apply for Services for Students with Disabilities for college admission testing such as SAT or ACT testing.NEW-TO-WOODWARD SUPPORTStudents new to Woodward are individually assessed and connected with a program designed to provide them with the personalized support they need to succeed at the Acad-emy. Programs include peer mentoring, tutoring, progress monitoring, and placement into special courses designed to help students adjust to the rigorous learning environment at Woodward as a member of the Upper School community.AFTERNOON STUDY HALLAfternoon Study Hall takes place in a structured, supervised study area in the Upper School. Students should not expect 1:1 tutorial support during this time. Nevertheless, they may use this time to make up missed assess-ments or simply take advantage of a quiet place to study and com-plete homework assignments. Afternoon study hall is organized through the Academic Dean’s Office. Space is limited to 16 students in order to maintain the appropriate learning environ-ment. Students may drop in on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may also sign up in the Academic Dean’s Office if they want to reserve a space. All students are welcome to attend study hall after school Monday-Thursday from 3:30-6 p.m.

Page 3

UPPER SCHOOLLEARNING SUPPORTwoodward.eduLEARNING SUPPORT COURSES PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE GUIDANCE THEY NEED TO SET ACADEMIC GOALS, DEVELOP ACTION PLANS TO ACHIEVE GOALS, AND FOSTER POSITIVE LEARNING HABITS. IN THESE COURSES, TEACHERS FOCUS ON THE PROCESS OF LEARNING AND ESTABLISHING EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN STUDENTS. COURSES ARE OFFERED TO STUDENTS WITH DIAGNOSED LEARNING DIFFERENCES AS WELL AS THOSE STUDENTS WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM MORE STRUCTURED STUDY TIME.STUDY STRATEGIES GRADES 9-12This course is designed for students who have diagnosed learning differences (whether or not they were previously enrolled in the Transition Program). Other students may take this course with permission from the Upper School Principal or Academic Dean. Study Strate-gies supports student academic success through the following areas: self-advocacy, time man-agement, note-taking, academic self-monitoring, test prep, and organizational skills. Because content is reshaped to address student needs, this course may be repeated as desired.FRESHMAN FOUNDATIONS GRADE 9Freshman Foundations sup-ports ninth grade students with a dedicated study period and also provides students with coaching on organization, time management, goal setting, and communications skills. All students enrolled in Freshman Foundations use the Upper School Daily Planner to keep track of assignments and assessments, as well as to record tutorial attendance. Additionally, over the course of the semester, health edu-cation units will be taught to satisfy the health graduation requirement. Finally, students will receive periodic instruction about the “Woodward Way” and other topics to help orient them to the Upper School. All fresh-men are encouraged to take at least one semester of Freshman Foundations (either S1 or S2), and may take both semesters if they desire. TOOLS FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS GRADES 10-12This semester-long course is geared toward preparing stu-dents for academic success in college and beyond. The course emphasizes the importance of time management, organiza-tion, independence, and aware-ness of academic standing while providing a positive envi-ronment to help students work toward achieving their academic goals. Specific assignments may be given on occasion to help students better under-stand and apply the learning techniques covered.LEARNING SUPPORT COURSES HERE TO HELP