Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) John Larson, M.Ed. Director of Student Support Services Nova Classical Academy 2017-2018

NOVA’S Mission In a supportive community and through a systematic, accelerated college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, Nova Classical Academy challenges its students to develop intellect, to attain the habits of learning and mastery, and to live a virtuous life of duty and ideals.

SEAC The purpose of Nova Classical Academy’s SEAC is to collaborate with the Student Services Director, School Administration, and the Board of Directors to:

SEAC MISSION Empower and support parents and staff to effectively advocate for and educate our children. Promote an attitude of respect toward all students and a welcoming environment for all families. Support the unique needs of a diverse student body, cresting a center of classical education excellence for all learners Build strong, collaborative relationships between families, staff, community partners, and district decision makers.

2017-2018 Heavy focus on reading supports/interventions. Building on parent/staff presentations related to Dyslexia Mental Health/Anxiety speaker on October 15th Providing resources and materials via the Nova Student Services Webpage Offering 1-1 or small group collaborative meetings with parents on how to best support their students. Continuing to promote collaboration as a means to improve the education process for all learners

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!

STUDENT SERVICES AT NOVA To create services and supports to help all students at Nova Classical Academy Special Education 504 English Language RTI School Psychologist (Alyssa Martinson) Parent Meetings 1-1 student meetings

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

RTI (Response-To-Intervention) We have a full RTI model to help us “find or identify” students who may have disabilities or need other services. It is our obligation to identify those students. When in doubt, fill it out! Initially we would like to contact parents of an initial referral to the RTI Team to get their input. Tier 1 starts in the classroom. Creating opportunities to help struggling students be more successful.

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) Classroom Teacher: Content Experts IEP Manager Principal: School Experts Director of Student Services

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.

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

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.

Discussion SESSION 15 Minutes Share resources and ideas with each other. What can Nova do to help support struggling students and families? What resources has your family found effective?

Contact Information John Larson, M.Ed. Nova Classical Academy Director of Student Services 651.209.6320, Ext. 206 jlarson@novaclassical.org