Student Services Response-To-Intervention John Larson, Director of Student Services Alyssa Martinson, School Psychologist Nova Classical Academy

STUDENT SERVICES AT NOVA To create services and supports to help all students at Nova Classical Academy 1.Special Education English Language 4.RTI- Weekly Meetings (LS and US) 5.School Psychologist (Alyssa Martinson) 6.Parent Meetings student meetings

Student Services Collaborative Planning and Implementation of Educational Programming Holding students to high standards but providing the supports to help them be successful Data-Driven Education/Evaluations We want all students to be here!

Services at Nova Classical Academy 1.Before School Homework Club (M-F, 7:30 a.m.) 2.After School Homework Club (Tues. and Thurs. from 3:50-5:00 p.m. 3.Student Services meeting room (#323) 4.Peer Tutoring: Contact John 5.Counselor

Response to Intervention

Nova’s Response to Intervention’s Mission Nova Classical Academy’s Response to Intervention (RTI) team aims to support the school’s mission by providing scientifically and research-based interventions to meet the needs of all students.

What is Response to Intervention? Response to Intervention (RTI) is a framework that is used to improve outcomes for all students. RTI is an alternative to standardized testing when it comes to determining which academic and behavioral supports students need at school. In an RTI system, a student’s progress is monitored frequently and instruction is differentiated and modified as necessary. It is a three-tiered researched-based, problem solving process that focuses on data-based decision making.

The Three Tiers of RTI

RTI Problem Solving Model

RTI and Special Education At Nova Classical Academy School of Grammar (grades K-5), special education evaluations determine eligibility in the area of Specific Learning Disability in Reading (Basic Reading Skills, Reading Comprehension, and/or Reading Fluency) are completed using the RTI process. Students being evaluated for other concerns in other areas are assessed using the traditional discrepancy process.

Other Helpful Resources Nova Classical Academy Student Services Minnesota Department of Education National Association of School Psychologists: RTI for Parents RTI Action Network PBIS World *If you would like to refer your child to the RTI team, please contact John Larson or Alyssa Martinson.

Accommodation vs. Modification What is the difference?

Accommodations Instructional or assessment adaptations. They allow a student to demonstrate what they know without fundamentally changing the target skills. Let me give you an example. A student with a learning disability in reading may have difficulty reading the content and/or the questions on a history test. Therefore, he may not be able to demonstrate what he knows through reading, so a teacher or a test administrator may read the test aloud to him.

Modifications Modifications actually do change that target skill or the construct of interest. They often reduce learning expectations or affect the content in such a way that what is being taught or tested is fundamentally changed.

Contacts (IEP/504) 1.Classroom Teacher: Content Experts 2.IEP Manager 3.Principal: School Experts 4.Director of Student Services

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS Look at patterns of behavior and the effect it has on student learning and well being School Psychologist, Counselor, Principal, Classroom teacher Contact outside family doctor or specialists -List of service providers available

TIPS FOR HOME! Please feel free to share ideas and/or questions! Some suggestions that people have found helpful.

Make Your Student Aware of their needs Depends on age. Accommodations/Modifications available Who to talk to when they have trouble? What services do I have available to me? Involve them in their IEP goals and progress

Set Up A Homework Schedule This is a personal choice. Once time is determined, the schedule should be adhered as close as possible. Research says it takes 21 days to form a habit. Majority will lose focus of schedule a before Halloween.

Rank Order Assignments Many students spend a good chunk of their homework time deciding what to do.. Parents help prioritize and gradually pass on to the students (depending on age).

Do Not(Always) Sit Next To Your Child This creates “learned helplessness.” This same assistance may not be consistent to what is available to them in the classroom. Act as a resource person for the student. Students should always return to their individual work area.

Check the Correct Problems First Mention something they did well first to help build confidence. Provide constructive support on problems that are incorrect.

NEVER LET HOMEWORK DRAG ON! The only thing accomplished by allowing a child to continue to struggle hour after hour is an increased feeling of inadequacy. Contact the teacher, special education teacher. (Have student initiate contact depending on age).

Discuss Questions Before Beginning Discuss ahead of time so the students know what they are looking for when reading. Verbal processing can help with comprehension and building of knowledge

Check Small Groups of Problems Have your student complete 3-5 problems and then they can check with you. This prevents a child from doing an entire assignment incorrectly.

Be Aware of Negative Messages Many examples of body language, tension, raised eyebrows, inattentiveness, verbal frustrations can lead to increased struggles for your student.

AVOID Finishing Assignments for Your Child This is not doing the student any favors. Sometimes it may feel like a better solution for you and your child. (Band Aid) Communicate with the teachers about any specific issues. See Slide #6

Be Aware of Possible Learning Problems Look for patterns Contact Teacher, RTI Team, Principal or Director of Student Services Examples: Constant avoidance, forgetting to bring home assignments, taking long hours to complete, procrastination, low frustration tolerance, labored writing, poor spelling, etc.

Triple P Communication Method Approach situations with staff positively and proactively, and patiently. We will approach you positively and proactively, and patiently. We want to see your students be successful!!! Build a positive, collaborative relationship that focuses on doing what is best for the students.

QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION 15 Minutes Rules: Please don’t identify any students directly during questioning. Any individual concerns: Separate Meeting Please understand that I may need some time to research your question.

Contact Information John Larson Director of Student Services , Ext. 306 Alyssa Martinson School Psychologist , Ext. 308