With the transient nature of an international school like ours, it is safe to say that every student has experienced being the "new kid" at some point in their schooling. We are proud of how quickly our students bring new classmates into the fold, ensuring that all students find their niche here at ASD. Many of our alumni speak fondly of the "family" they make here and how they leave with international friends for life.
The school provides academic support to students who need additional help to succeed in the classroom. Some of these students have been identified as having a specific learning disability; however, we do not provide services for students who need considerable academic support, and the school does not have a special education department.
Counseling Department
Counselors work closely with teachers and administration to foster a learning environment for all students. In addition, counselors provide resources to students, parents and staff regarding special interests or learning needs. Counselors respond to academic, social and emotional needs of students on a daily basis. The counselor’s role is differentiated according to students’ developmental levels and their needs in elementary, middle and high school. Additionally counselors assist students with transition to a new school, a new country and the unique challenges of being “third culture kids.”
The school guidance curriculum consists of structured lessons to help students reach desired competence and appropriate knowledge and skills for their grade level. In addition, counselors help students set personal goals, explore careers and develop personal excellence.
The college counselor advises all students on the university application/selection process, including preparation for standardized tests needed for university applications.
Academic Support
ASD is beginning to offer a multi-tiered system of support to all students. Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or as a result of recommendation through the admissions process.
Students in kindergarten to grade eight may be identified as either English Language Learners (ELL) or struggling in one curricular area or skill. Learning support for a specific curricular area or skill is designed to be short term support. This support may take the form of differentiation in the classroom by the class teacher (tier 1 and 2 supports). If needed however a learning support teacher may be asked to offer more (tier 3) support through push in or pull out in small groups to master content or skill, or a combination thereof. ASD is unable to offer 1:1 support.
Learning support for ELL students will inevitably be a combination of push in and pull out. The class/subject teacher will work closely with learning support throughout. Students are expected to progress through and exit the program as soon as possible into the mainstream classroom environment with basic English skills. It takes time to become proficient in a second or third language, especially written language.
When it comes to students in the high school at ASD, learning support will look very slightly different to the elementary or middle schools. …..
To better understand the multi-tiered systems of support available to all students at ASD the following could be considered :
Tier 1: All students receive:
- High quality instruction
- High quality classroom management
- Differentiated Instruction
Tier 2: Exceptional services based on specific needs:
- In class Support (push in)
- Small Group Support (push in)
- Targeted Behavior Intervention Plans
- Language Support (push in)
- Co-Taught classes
- Referral to Community Services (Speech, OT, ABA Therapies)
- Referral to Educational Psychological Assessments
Tier 3: Exceptional services based on intensive needs:
- Pull Out Support (Short term)
- Student Success/Support Plans
- Co-Taught classes
- Referral to Community Services (Speech, OT, ABA Therapies)
- Referral to Educational Psychological Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a child qualify for support?
A classroom teacher may refer a particular student to the Student Success/Support Team. The Student Success/Support Team (SST) will meet to evaluate and make recommendations. If a child is found to have a specific learning disability, then a Student Success/Support Plan (SSP) will be put in place, and the child will receive regular academic support in the area of need.
When will the child receive academic support?
The SST works with the student in the classroom or on a pull-out basis, generally for about 25 minutes, one or more days a week. The SST collaborates with the classroom teacher to determine the best time for service.
Parent Conferences
Twice a year, we host Student/Parent-Teacher Conferences for the whole school. They usually take place in fall and spring. It is important to attend these meetings, as they represent one of the best ways for both parents and teachers to support a child’s learning. Sharing information about a child will enable us to provide a learning program that will best meet their needs.
Contacting Teachers
If questions or concerns arise at any point throughout the school year, parents are encouraged to first consult the classroom teacher directly. Parents may email questions/concerns or contact the teacher to request a meeting in-person. Teachers will make every effort to find a time that is mutually agreeable for discussing student progress and parents' concerns or questions. If administrative assistance is required, the teacher or parent can then arrange for a consultation that involves an administrator or counselor.