The vision of the St. Pius Student Support Center (SSC) is to meet the learning needs of all our students. The Archdiocese of Washington, Policy 6310 on inclusive education, states that all students have the inalienable right to an education that is in keeping with their ultimate goal, their ability and their culture. Catholic educators have a responsibility to meet the needs of individual students as they attempt to develop their God-given gifts.

There are certain accommodations that are not possible for us to meet. Among them are speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, vision therapy, physical therapy, mobility training, long-term alternative individualized instruction, long-term counseling and services requiring an aide. However, within our capabilities and resources that are flexible and appropriate, we attempt to vary academic levels and instructional methods to meet the needs of all our students.

The SSC provides the students with three levels of accommodations and counseling depending on the students’ needs. Students may be moved from one level to another according to their needs and the results of observation and assessments.

Level One Services
accommodates students requiring only basic modifications to the regular school program. These students do not require an assessment.

Requirements:
Parent/Teacher contact
Observation and recommendation of an administrator, teacher or staff person of the SSC

Some Examples of Level One Accommodations:

Move seat

Sign homework

Use of highlighter

Guided practice

Checking book-bag

Extra wait time

Repeat directions

Oral and written directions

Non-verbal cues to maintain attention

Cue word to call attention to directions

Additional time for tests

Weekly calendar of assignments

Extra set of books

Peer partner

Level Two Services accommodates students whose modifications require the assistance of both the classroom teacher and the staff of the SSC. These accommodations may be made in or outside the classroom and may be noted on the report card.

Requirements:
Recommendation of the SSC’s resource consultant, an educational assessment administered by the staff of the SSC and an action plan.

Some Examples of Level Two Accommodations:

Use of calculator

Tape recorder given to the child by the teacher for use at appropriate time

Use of word processor

Use of manipulatives

Franklin Speller or “misspell guide” for assignments or tests

Additional time for tests

Adjusting assignments

Tests taken in location outside of classroom

Copying notes for students

Level Three Services
accommodates students whose modifications are more extensive and require more individualized instruction. These accommodations will be noted on the report card.

Requirements:
Results of psychological and educational assessment, recommendation of the SSC’s educational consultant and an action plan.

Some Examples of Level Three Accommodations:

Additional help for tests (out of room)

Substantially modified tests

Additional time for assignments

Shorter assignments

Oral assignments or tests in place of written

Sensory apparatus

Alternative individualized instruction insofar as it facilitates mainstreaming

The counselor provides the students with support dealing with developmental, emotional and behavioral issues.

Requirements:
Recommendation of a parent, administrator, teacher or staff person of the SSC

Some Examples of Counseling Services:

Student Counseling

Monitoring Student Progress

Any staff member or parent may request an evaluation of a particular student who they believe has a problem with their current curriculum or overall school performance.

A referral form must be submitted to the SSC coordinator. It should contain the student’s name, grade, the name of the person making the referral, the date submitted and a brief description of the perceived problem area with specific examples.

The coordinator of the SSC reviews the referral, makes any necessary inquiries to clarify the problem, and assigns the referral to an appropriate Team Facilitator. The Team Facilitator is responsible for evaluating, coordinating and generating a written Action Plan. The Team Facilitator will distribute and discuss the plan with all involved individuals and evaluate the action plan quarterly.

The SSC coordinator will monitor all current cases and review plans with the Team Facilitator on a quarterly basis. Evaluation reports are sent to all involved parties and to the Vice-Principal quarterly.