The Academic Support program of ESA provides a helping hand to students who are in need of assistance based on a documented learning difference or who struggle with such skills as organization and time management, adversely effecting academic success. Services are contractual and vary based on the individual needs of the student. In the Lower School, students are scheduled for a small period during the school day. In Middle and Upper Schools, students are scheduled during their study hall period and meet individually or in same-grade pairs for one class period typically each day throughout the year. The instructor provides help with general study skills and organization; reading, writing and vocabulary development; individual study strategies matched to personal learning styles; and special assistance to students with learning differences. Inclusion in Academic Support is based on diagnostic test results and/or consultation with parents and teachers.

 

The Academic Support instructor aids both faculty and administrators in identifying students with special learning needs. She may serve as a resource person for those teachers who request assistance in designing specific study skill programs or with alternate methods of presenting concepts within the context of their classes. The Academic Support instructor also serves as a resource between students, faculty, and outside learning specialists, implementing recommended accommodations resulting from formal test results, and participating in necessary referrals for testing should a learning difference be suspected.