OVERVIEW OF SERVICES: THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Goals and Instruction
The level of support changes as students enter the Middle School. Whereas in the First Program the students receive individual or small group instruction as often as needed (sometimes 5 times a week), in the lower Middle School (grades 4 and 5) an inclusion model is used to support the students. A preceptor (learning specialist) is assigned to each House and works in the classroom during Language Arts, Writers Workshop or lab times with specific students. In addition, in grades 4 and 5, selected students are seen in small groups taught by the preceptors for the development of compensatory skills. These groups meet generally twice a week. Depending on what is needed, students will be supported in reading, writing, spelling, organizational skills, and/or time management. All work is closely coordinated with class work and any private tutoring the student might be receiving.
Students in grades 6-8 receive a different model of intervention. The school offers a Language Workshop class in grade 6 for children for whom it is recommended by the school and mutually agreed upon by the parents that a foreign language be postponed a year for a variety of reasons. The LW classes meet 4 times a week and are designed to teach basic skills and study skill development as well as higher level critical thinking skills, organizational skills, and pre-writing strategies. Students in grades 7 and 8 and those in grade 6 who do take a language but who are also recommended for additional academic support meet weekly with a preceptor either individually or in small clusters. All programs are designed to promote independent learning and self-advocacy and address individual learning styles. Students who begin a foreign language in 7th or 8th grades and who had been participating in the LW class the previous year are assigned to preceptors for support as they learn to balance 5 full subjects and adapt to studying a language.
Assessment
Throughout the year, students are informally assessed by the House Advisor and preceptor using classroom observation, regular discussions with teachers and parents and portfolio review. Selected sections from standardized tests (ERB, State-Wide) are administered to all students in the spring in grades 4 through 8.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH SUPPORT SERVICES
Two part time math preceptors are available to support middle school students who need additional work in this area. Students are seen individually or in small clusters during the designated math lab time or an assigned preceptorial time.
