Learning Support is available to students, and their families to support students’ high school success. Students, who have Educational Coding and an Individual Program Plan (IPP), also have access to supports and special accommodation that are designed to support their high school success. Learning support begins with the teacher in class, and during regularly scheduled tutorials.
Students or families with any questions are encouraged to make an appointment with their guidance counselor.
Study Strategies
Regular attendance is one of the most powerful strategies a student can apply in order to have school success. It is well documented that students with poor attendance tend to achieve poorly. Frequent and prolonged lates are equally detrimental to student achievement. Nightly review of the day’s lessons and early review for tests again is a successful pathway to school success. Keeping binders organized, using the school agenda, and putting together school supplies and homework the night before not during the morning rush makes a surprisingly significant difference. Using charts, graphs, webs, mind maps for studying help the visual learner. When reviewing the class notes or while studying tests recite the answers so that you say the answers and hear them – supportive for the auditory learner. Rewriting answers or drawing diagrams helps the kinesthetic learner. Suggestions for time management, writing specific tests, writing essays, completing assignments, or note taking are possible ways in which we can be supportive. Visit the Alberta Learning website for more study skills advice.
Identifying Students with Learning Difficulties
Students, parents, and teachers report observations and concerns to Student Services where Counsellors and Learning Support staff work together with the student to find solutions and apply positive strategies. As student progress through their years in school it is essential that they learn how to self-advocate as they are the ones who know what they need most.
Supporting Students with Special Education Coding
Students identified with a Special Education code have had an Educational Assessment completed by a Psychologist, or other medical assessment. This educational code cannot be assigned by the school as the protocol requires that an Educational Assessment or Medical Assessment precede the creation of an IPP, Individual Program Plan. With an IPP, students are entitled to certain accommodations. These accommodations may be applied daily or some students may prefer to use their accommodations only during tests. Students with IPP’s must become strong self-advocates in order to reach their greatest potential. Students are expected to go to their subject teachers frequently to discuss their needs and progress. Students with IPP’s are to use the services provided through Learning Support. To see a full listing of all Educational Codes and their descriptions please follow the link to the Alberta Learning Website.
Assistance to Subject Teachers, Students, and Parents
The best place to start when encountering difficulty in school is with the subject teacher. The subject teacher is the most qualified to answer your questions about assignments and test expectations. Minor problems need not grow if they are addressed early. Keep a friendly line of communication open with the teacher. Communication through emails usually work best. Please give teachers a little time to get back to you as many have extra-curricular responsibilities and if you do not hear from them please try to make contact again.
