Learning Support Program

It is the goal of the ISD learning support program to increase the academic success of identified elementary and middle school students with mild learning differences. Academic support is provided in either inclusive or pull-out programs that match individual needs with appropriate strategies and methods. There is no learning support program available for high school students at ISD.

Pull-out learning support is delivered in small groups (between 2 and 6 students per teacher) to identified students during the daily French instructional block. Students are clustered and supported in cross-grade bands: Grades 1 - 2, Grades 3 - 4, Grades 5 - 6, and Grades 7 - 8, and receive 45 minutes per day of tailored academic support.

In addition to providing pull-out support to identified students and managing individual educational plans, the learning specialist visits classrooms regularly to work with teachers to offer strategies for differentiating instruction. On occasion, the learning specialist is asked by individual teachers to work with specific groups of students within the classroom to bolster identified skills.

ISD utilizes a child-study team approach and follows a clearly articulated referral process for identifying students who will benefit from learning support. This team, comprised of classroom teachers, principal, learning specialist, ELL specialist, and specialist teachers meets regularly to discuss students of concern, individual education plans and future actions. Teachers and parents are encouraged to seek out the assistance and resources provided by the learning specialist whenever learning questions arise.

Identified students who qualify for gifted services are supported through regular differentiation of content, instructional method, task or assessment model in the regular classroom setting. It is the goal of ISD to enrich and extend learning experiences for high-achieving students. ISD does not offer acceleration or out-of-age placement as an option for high achievers.