learning support program

CAISL is a student-centered educational community in which we challenge ourselves and each other to do our best and to make positive

contributions to our diverse and ever-changing world.

Welcome to CAISL

Learning Support Program

Carlucci American International School of Lisbona student-centered educational community…

CAISL is committed to: Providing an enriching, varied and effective program of academics, arts, and athletics that inspires learners to strive for individual and collective excellence. Promoting life-long learning in a meaningful context through active inquiry, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Providing a caring and safe environment that supports diverse learner needs. Promoting active, responsible local and global citizenship.

Profile of the Learner: The CAISL community includes everyone who shares an interest in the success of our learners. All members of the community strive to help our learners become Life-Long Learners who reflect upon their experiences and actively seek the knowledge and skills necessary for continuous personal growth. Creative Problem Solvers who use a wide variety of resources and strategies to meet life’s challenges. Effective Communicators who express and interpret ideas using appropriate means. Conscientious Contributors who are committed to service, show empathy, and act to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Principled Individuals who take responsibility for their choices, act with integrity, and demonstrate respect for themselves, others, and the environment.


WHY LEARNING SUPPORT?The Learning Support Program is designed to help students with mild learning

difficulties work towards successful completion of CAISL academic requirements.

*Executive Functioning Skills Management

*Literacy Skills

*Mathematics Skills

*Reaching Grade Level Academic Expectations

*One on One Instruction

*Small Group Instruction

*Assisted Study Hall

*Regular Monitoring of Progress

*Formal Accommodations


HOW DOES SPECIAL EDUCATION WORK?In general, Learning Support Services provide specially designed instruction to meet the specific needs of the student. Accommodations and/or modifications may be applied to help students gain equal access to the curriculum.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD NEEDS ACADEMIC SUPPORT?The eligibility of a student for the Learning Support Program is based on a comprehensive evaluation process beginning with the Student Study Team (SST). The team gathers information and initiates the process. This includes formal assessments, observation reports, teacher information, information provided by parents, etc.


What is the Parent/Guardian’s Role in the Learning Support Program? Share knowledge about your child´s approach to learning that you feel the school should know, including…

Likes, dislikes, personalityInterests, talents, abilities Family relationships and dynamics (including extended family and pets) Peer relationships and dynamics Family routines and schedules Physical and emotional history

Talk to your child´s teacher(s) about goals that have been set, and collaborate with your child´s teacher(s) regarding progress. Propose changes in goals, strategies and/or resources or support where you see a need.

Look for evidence of growth towards goals on your child´s report card and progress reports.

Participate in the Annual Review Meeting for IEP/AP Development.


CAISL uses a written document, Individual Education Plan/Accommodation Plan (IEP/AP), that is designed for any student who receives learning support and related services. The IEP/AP describes the goals that are set for the student over the course of the year, and appropriate accommodations that the student is eligible for depending on the disability. The IEP/AP is reviewed annually, and parents are an important part of this process.

What is the documentation

process?


WHAT ARE ACCOMMODATIONS AND HOW CAN THEY SUPPORT MY CHILD´S LEARNING?Accommodations are tools and procedures stated in the student’s IEP/Accommodation Plan that provide equal access to instruction and assessment for students with disabilities. They are designed to “level the playing field” for students with disabilities and can be divided in to four categories.

PRESENTATION(e.g., repeat directions, read aloud, use of larger bubbles on answer sheets, etc.)RESPONSE(e.g., mark answers in book, use reference aids, use of computer, etc.)TIMING/SCHEDULING(e.g., extended time, frequent breaks, etc.)SETTING(e.g., special lighting, separate room, etc.)


UNDERSTANDING THE WAY OF LEARNING SUPPORT

The following road map is a brief overview of how a student at CAISL is found eligible for the Learning Support Program, the basics of the program,

and how the cycle may continue throughout the students’ academic career.

A child is identified as possibly needing learning support

services.

CAISL will contact the parents and

request an educational

evaluation from a trained specialist.

After receipt of the educational

evaluation, CAISL will determine eligibility for

services.


If the TEAM finds the student eligible for

services, an IEP/Accommodation Plan will be created.

Parents contribute to, and consent to

the IEP/ Accommodation

Plan.

Throughout the IEP period, qualified

professionals provide learning support

services.

CAISL will provide written progress reports

toward IEP goals.

CAISL will review and re-write the IEP/

Accommodation Plan annually.

The student is re-evaluated by a trained specialist at least every

two years.

The TEAM Includes:ParentsStudent

LS SpecialistPersonal Counselor

AdministratorRegular Ed. Teacher

CAISL 1


What qualifications do we require of our Learning Support Program faculty?

All teachers in the Learning Support Program are certified in the field of Education and Special Educational Needs.

What formal educational testing is available?

CAISL does not provide the required formal educational testing for eligibility in to the Learning Support Program, however we have many outside resources that we can recommend.


How do we make admissions decisions?

We require all parents to share information with us about their child’s learning profile and/or any known learning disabilities on the application form. Without this information, there is a risk that some children may not receive the academic support they need.

CAISL aims to provide the best education for all students, therefore, given a complete and accurate application , admission and continued enrollment of a student with special educational needs is on a case by case basis.

Naturally, we manage all information about students with confidentiality.

Are there additional fees associated with the Learning Support Program?

Mild levels of learning support are included in the tuition fees at CAISL.

Examples of services include: Assisted Study Hall, Small Group Instruction and Limited One-on-one Instruction.

Additional support services are currently not available, but we are able to assist in coordinating such outside services.


Please contact one of our Learning Support Specialists for more information:

Ms. Jaclyn BerningElementary Learning Support [email protected]

Ms. Gina KeglerSecondary Learning Support [email protected]

OR

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

learning support program

Documents

learning support services

lifelong learning

mild learning difficulties

child needs academic

caisl community

educational community4how

effective program of

lifelong learners