If a student is professionally diagnosed with a learning difference, an Academic Support/504 Plan is created that contains strategies, accommodations, and goals. The Student Services Coordinator provides support to the student's teachers to help implement accommodations and interventions appropriate to the diagnosis. The Student Services Coordinator also provides progress monitoring for students who are working towards educational or behavioral goals. Academic Support/504 Plans are reviewed and, if needed, edited at least once a year. Our desire is to move students towards independence and fewer accommodations.
Students identified in need of Gifted Services are leveled at Tier One, Tier Two or Tier Three. Depending on which tier they are in, the level of differentiation and challenging material will change. Some students are eligible for accelerated classes, college, honors or AP level courses in the middle and high school level. Students are also informed about services in our area, contests and other opportunities aimed at gifted students.
Our Reading Resource, Math Resource and Writing Resource teachers, provide diagnostic, prescriptive and evaluative reading/math/writing services for students referred to Student Services. TFCA students benefit from their expertise as they work with them individually and in small groups. Students who are screened and who qualify participate in our early intervention reading program taught by our Reading Resource Teacher. Our goal is to prepare students for the higher level reading and comprehension skills they will face in middle school and high school.
TFCA Teachers continue to receive training and are encouraged to differentiate lessons in their classrooms for students who have different learning styles or who are at different academic levels. Student Services personnel work with teachers to find ways to meet the needs of exceptional students in the classroom.
God has perfectly created each one of our students with both abilities and disabilities. We are thankful that Student Services provides additional resources to help each student develop the unique set of skills they need to be successful in the classroom and in God's kingdom. As Student Services develops more programs, we hope to serve more students to equip them with the tools they need to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.