1 Learning Supports (Supporting the Learning Environment) Introduction to Learning Supports (Supporting the Learning Environment) May, 2005

2 Learning Supports Learning Supports Planning Committee Julie BarndJulie Barnd, School Social Worker Roxann DittmerRoxann Dittmer, Partnership Consultant Katie GoddardKatie Goddard, School Social Worker Daryl HannemanDaryl Hanneman, School Psychologist Trish SchultzTrish Schultz, School Social Worker Anne TaylorAnne Taylor, School Improvement Consultant Denese ToomeyDenese Toomey, School Social Worker

3 This online learning opportunity will: Learning SupportsPresent a brief introduction to the topic Learning Supports for GWAEA staff Learning SupportsAsk for input from staff regarding perceptions of how a systemic approach to Learning Supports might affect your role at the AEA and in the districts and buildings you serve Provide staff with a learning opportunity at a time that is convenient, and doesn’t require time away from job responsibilities.

4 A Healthy Successful Student Learning Supports Services Strong Academic Program Positive Youth Development

5 Learning Supports Learning Supports Goals All children and youth in Iowa are… –successful in school –healthy and socially competent –prepared for a productive adulthood –in safe and supportive families, schools and communities

6 Background Information... Federal and state mandates such as No Child Left Behind, the Iowa Accountability Plan, etc. that require that all students succeed in school. Since 2003, a great deal of effort has been focused on academic areas such as math, reading, and science.

7  Provides support for the academic development of students  Also has a history of providing support for the social, emotional, and behavioral development of students, including: The Iowa Behavioral Initiative ( ) Success4 ( ) Learning SupportsLearning Supports (2004-present) The Iowa Department of Education...

8 To ensure that all students succeed in school, Iowa must: Increase student proficiency in reading and math. Eliminate the achievement gaps. Foster students’ social-emotional well-being. Improve attendance at school. Increase connectedness to school. Increase graduation rates. Decrease dropout, suspension, and expulsion rates.

9 We must focus on: –Improving instruction –Enhancing the professional development of teachers and educational leaders –Fostering the healthy development of students –Addressing barriers to learning and teaching

10 Learning Supports Definition: A wide range of strategies, programs, services, and practices that are implemented to create conditions and environments that promote student learning. Learning Supports:Learning Supports: –Promote healthy development for all students –Prevent problems for students –Provide early interventions after the onset of problems –Address the complex, intensive needs of some students –Address barriers to learning –Ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity to succeed in school

11 Learning Supports, cont. Complement the Instructional Decision Making Model (IDM) components: –Core –Supplemental –Intensive Complement the Iowa Professional Development Model (IPDM): –Focused –Ongoing –Research-based

12 IDM, Academics, & Learning Supports: Academic Activities Learning Supports Academic ActivitiesLearning Supports Supplemental Services Some students Intensive Services A few students Core/School-wide Activities All students

13 Learning Supports Learning Supports, cont. In schools, learning supports may be provided by administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, student service personnel, paraeducators, support staff, and other staff. Provision of learning supports, however, is not limited to school personnel. Families and communities also have critical contributions to make to the successful learning of all children and youth.

14 Learning Supports Learning Supports, cont. Six Content Areas: –Supplements to instruction –Family supports and involvement –Community partnerships –Safe, healthy, and caring environments –Support for transitions –Child/youth engagement

15 The purpose is... Learning Supports To enhance Iowa’s existing system of Learning Supports by embedding it into the Iowa school improvement process so that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed in school

16 Learning Supports Implementation of Learning Supports leads to results such as: Enhanced academic achievement Improved school attendance Fewer behavior problems Improved interpersonal skills Better relationships between schools and families Better relationships for students, both at home and at school

17 Learning Supports A continuum of core, supplemental, and intensive support services which create and maintain safe and respectful environments in which: –teachers can teach –students can learn –parents and community partners can contribute –successful social, emotional, behavioral, and learning outcomes are achieved

18 Questions to Consider How do I ensure that my work aligns with and contributes to supporting student learning? 2. What actions am I taking to ensure that my resources and actions are integrated into a cohesive, efficient, and effective multi-agency system of learning supports? 3. What mechanisms and opportunities are in place at GWAEA to ensure that I am well-prepared to contribute to the success of all children and youth in school?

19 Thank you for participating in this online learning opportunity. Please click on the Zoomerang link below to give us your feedback.