LSS
The role of the learning support specialist is to support students who are having difficulty with various aspects of the curriculum and to help teachers discover ways to guide these students towards their academic potential. The LSS program is quite flexible and is always aimed at targeting students’ needs and providing students with the tools they need to achieve success independently. When a teacher is concerned about a student, that teacher will meet with the LSS who then develops an action plan in conjunction with the Student Suport Team. The action plan may include 1:1 or small group pullout instruction, inclusion or push-in instruction, or a variety of teaching strategies, accommodations and modifications that the teacher can use to help the student in the classroom. When needed, the LSS administers a testing battery to determine the strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences of the student in question.
At the high school level, the LSS participates in Academic Concerns meetings and follows up with teachers regarding the implementation and impact of the recommendations. The LSS also meets with high school students who have been identified as having difficulty and provides them with study/learning strategies support.
Other aspects of the LSS role here at Seisen are to develop resources for teachers in grades 3-6, model critical thinking strategies instruction in grades 3-6, meet with parents, collaborate with the Elementary School Curriculum Coordinator about the implementation of thinking strategies into the elementary school curriculum, and to apply for accommodations on college entrance exams if a learning disability has been diagnosed.