Overview
Town School Learning Services Department
The learning services department is made up of two full-time learning
specialists. The department provides support for students with learning
differences and serves as a resource for both parents and teachers.
Lower School Learning Specialist
Lawana Sweetland, Lower School Learning Specialist, serves grades K-4.
Learning assistance varies from child to child and depends on individual
needs. Instruction is planned to strengthen the weaker areas of a
child’s learning profile and to teach strategies that incorporate his
strengths. The lower school learning specialist usually meets with
students in small groups of two or three. In addition, students
are frequently observed and/or supported in the classroom. The
duration of this service varies from a few months to several years,
depending on the needs of the student.
The learning specialist uses information from parent and
teacher observations, in-house screenings, and reports from outside
professionals to create a Learning Profile and to develop a strategy for
supporting a student. Critical information is then discussed with the
classroom teachers and the Learning Profile is provided to help outline any
ongoing classroom accommodations that may enhance the learning process. The
specialist acts as a liaison between the parent, the teacher and any other
professionals who are testing or providing services to the child. The
learning specialist also participates regularly in faculty meetings
regarding students. Conferences take place by phone, at school and
occasionally at facilities where outside testing has been conducted.
Although meetings with the learning specialist are regularly scheduled
during parent conference days, parents are encouraged to call and come in
whenever they have a concern about their child.
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Upper School Learning Specialist
Pete Van Auken, the Director of Learning Services and Upper School Specialist, serves grades 5-8. One goal of the upper school
program is to help the boys better understand their learning needs while
maximizing their strengths and developing strategies for overcoming their
challenges. Another goal is to assist the boys in developing their
self-advocacy skills.
The upper school learning specialist also uses
information from parent and teacher observations, in-house screenings, and
reports from outside professionals to create a Learning Profile and to
develop a strategy for supporting a student. He confers with parents,
attends weekly grade level meetings, meets regularly one-on-one with
teachers and students, observes students in the classroom, and works closely
with the Upper School Director and Director of Counseling to monitor student
performance. As case manager, he also often matches students with outside
tutors or specialists.
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