L.E.A.P. Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School 801 Buck Jones Road (TK-6) 1101 Buck Jones Road (7-12) Raleigh, NC 27606 919-747-2020
Learning Enrichment & Achievement Program Learning Enrichment and Achievement Program (LEAP) is aligned with the GRACE mission statement to spiritually and academically equip, challenge, and inspire students to impact their world for Christ. This unique program provides services to students based on their specific needs. In order to maintain optimal ratios between our learning specialists and their students, enrollment in LEAP is reserved for 10% of the GRACE student population in the grade levels served. To support the LEAP staff as they fulfill the mission of GRACE, it is essential that these ratios not be allowed to erode. Therefore, a student who is already enrolled at GRACE who has been identified as needing services provided by LEAP, is not guaranteed admittance to the program. Each case will be carefully assessed and reviewed by the LEAP Director and Campus Principal. For more information contact the program director, Pascale Fitts (Pfitts@GRACEChristian.net. The LEAP- Enrichment is being investigated for children who have been identified as students with superior ability. LEAP-Achievement The GRACE administrative staff implemented LEAP in order to provide effective differentiated instruction to 2 distinctive groups. LEAP - Achievement is available for children who have been evaluated by a licensed psychologist for a learning disability, processing deficit, ADHD, or other condition affecting their ability to achieve success. Students must be able to participate in the regular classroom setting in all content areas, meet the academic standards for their grade level using the approved accommodations, and model the GRACE code of conduct. Program Criteria Acceptance of no more than 10% of total student body and limited to 10% per grade level The respective principal and the LEAP Program Director will determine admittance into the program and identify services to be offered A current diagnostic evaluation (within three years of the beginning of each academic year) from a licensed psychologist demonstrating a need for the program is required for enrollment Academic tutoring for students on campus is not a part of LEAP-A Student Entrance Criteria Indicators of possible need based on: student working below grade level (no more than 2 grade levels), failing or near-failing grades in one or more subjects. Submission of a diagnostic evaluation (within three years) from a licensed psychologist demonstrating a need for the program. Submission of all previous testing materials to GRACE prior to program admittance IQ scores must fall within the average range as demonstrated in the psychological evaluation and determined by the LEAP staff. Based on the expertise of the LEAP staff, GRACE reserves the right to determine a student s 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 2
ability to meet rigorous academic standards as well as the program s ability to accommodate student needs. Student Exit Criteria The student demonstrates the ability to succeed in his courses without accommodations and support services Diagnostic re-evaluation demonstrating there is no longer a need for services LEAP staff or teacher observations of misuse of the program Parent removal from program; a contract and parent signature are required In compliance with GRACE school guidelines, the administration reserves the right to put a student on academic probation based on low grades, lack of effort, behavior concerns, and/or the observations and assessments made by the LEAP staff and teacher(s). The student will be reassessed at the end of the academic probationary period. If evidence of sufficient progress is not apparent, the student may be asked to exit the program and/or the school. If there is evidence that the learner s needs are beyond the scope of LEAP-A, it may be recommended for the student to exit the program and/or the school. Procedures For Students Already Enrolled At GRACE Parent and classroom teacher discussion of concerns Classroom teacher receives signed Observation and Assessment Consent Form from the parent Classroom teacher submits a Teacher Questionnaire Referral form Program Director sets up a classroom observation Program Director meets with the classroom teacher to discuss findings from the internal observations If a specific learning disability, processing problem, or developmental need is suspected, a meeting will be held with the parents and they will be referred to a licensed child psychologist for a comprehensive evaluation Once testing results are received, and reviewed by the principal, teachers, and the Program Director, an academic support plan is designed Program Director, teacher, and principal then meet with the parents and student (when appropriate) to discuss the Academic Support Plan Appropriate fees will be assessed for services based on level of assistance needed If program services ARE needed and the parent declines, a waiver will be signed For New Students If a student applying has already been evaluated, a current copy of the evaluation must be 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 3
submitted with the admissions application After reviewing the application and other admissions documentation, the principal and the LEAP Program Director will determine if GRACE can meet the student s needs If there are concerns or questions about a student s ability for academic success and there is no evaluation, the Program Director will contact the family to request further information or an educational evaluation. Testing must be completed before acceptance is granted. Program Director will participate in the admissions interview and discuss results of testing and recommendations If enrollment in LEAP-A is deemed necessary for the child s success, and the school can meet his academic needs, the Program Director, principal, specialist, parent, and child s teacher(s) will discuss the development of an Academic Support Plan If a student is admitted to GRACE contingent on their participation in LEAP-A, he/she must complete one year of the program or obtain administrative approval prior to exiting Services: 2016-2017 LEAP - Achievement Academic Support Plan Each LEAP student will receive an individualized educational plan called Academic Support Plan (ASP). These plans are crafted by the Special Education Specialists. They are based on the evaluations provided by professional psychologists and are specific to each student s needs. Accommodations and modifications are clearly articulated on the ASPs. Parents and teachers are provided copies. Classroom Accommodations An accommodation is a differentiated instructional strategy which enables students to perform within curriculum requirements. Examples of accommodations are: Provision of teacher notes/outlines Provision of a peer note-taker Additional progress reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly) Preferential seating Extended time on tests/quizzes Separate setting for tests / writing assignments Oral testing Scribing Reduction of homework or class work Subtle Prompts/Reminders Use of word processor in lieu of writing by hand 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 4
Printing in lieu of cursive writing Chunking of information Procedure cards & use of calculator (for documented Math Disorders only) Use of audio books; visual aids; sensory items; graphic organizers Modified Curriculum Modifications are tied in to assignments, grade levels, and summative assessments. A modified curriculum means a change in student performance and outcome. It also means a change in teacher expectations. A student working with a modified curriculum will not work at the same level as other students. Modified curriculum is offered at a LEAP-A Level 3 only. *Subjects on school report cards and formal high school transcripts are marked modified. Examples of modifications are: Reduction of test or quiz questions Omission of story problems Use of specialized/alternative curricula written at lower level Simplified vocabulary and concepts Alternative reading books at independent reading level Tests written at lower level of understanding Use of textbook or open notes for formal/informal assessments Grading based on work completion Standardized Testing Accommodations A student may receive accommodations during standardized testing according to the recommendations on his psychological evaluation. Accommodations may include preferential seating, extended time, small group setting, marking in test booklets, or use of word processor. Push-In LEAP staff members offer one-on-one instruction within the regular classroom setting. Pull-Out LEAP staff members offer one-on-one or small group instruction in the LEAP resource room. 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 5
Description of Elementary School Services Level Entry Level Student Services. Ongoing communication from LEAP staff Classroom observations performed by Special Education Specialist as needed Standardized testing accommodations (this may include preferential seating, extended time or small group setting) Annual Fee $500 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Weekly communication from LEAP staff through a Traveling Journal A quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations (this may include preferential seating, extended time or small group setting) 1-2 times/week push-in or pull-out Specialized instruction in 1-2 content areas *1-2 hours/week of support services Weekly communication from LEAP staff through a Traveling Journal A quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations (this may include preferential seating, extended time, small group setting, scribing) 2-3 times/week push-in or pull-out Specialized instruction in 2-4 content areas *3-4 hours/week of support services May need Modified Curriculum Weekly communication from LEAP staff through a Traveling Journal A quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations (this may include preferential seating, extended time, small group setting or scribing) 4-5 times/week push-in or pull-out. For 4th and 5th grade: this may include a study hall period in the LEAP classroom Specialized instruction in most content areas *5 hours/week of support services $1,200 $1,800 $2,400 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 6
Description of Middle and High School Services Level Entry Level Level 1 Level 2A Level 2B Student Services Ongoing communication from LEAP staff Standardized testing accommodations through College Board and ACT (this may include extended time, and small group setting) Ongoing communication from LEAP staff Tailored Talon Class for LEAP resources A Quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations through College Board and ACT (this may include extended time, and small group setting) 1-2 pull-outs (small group setting in the LEAP classroom) per week in 1-2 specific content areas listed on the ASP *1-2 hours/week of support services Ongoing communication from LEAP via Talon Tailored Talon Class for LEAP resources A Quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations through College Board and ACT (this may include extended time, and small group setting) 3-4 pull-outs (small group setting in the LEAP classroom) per week in 3-4 specific content areas listed on the ASP *3-4 hours/week of support services Ongoing communication from LEAP via Talon Tailored Talon Class for LEAP resources A Quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations through College Board and ACT (this may include extended time, and small group setting) Academic Support Class (ASC) (twice/week) in the LEAP classroom 1-2 pull-outs (small group setting in the LEAP classroom) per week in 1-2 specific content areas listed on the ASP *3-4 hours/week of support services which include support class Annual Fee $500 $1,200 $1,800 $1,800 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 7
Level 3 May need modified curriculum Ongoing communication from LEAP A Quarterly LEAP Progress Report Standardized testing accommodations through College Board and ACT (this may include extended time, and small group setting) Academic Support Class (ASC) (twice/week) in the LEAP classroom 3-4 pull-outs (small group setting in the LEAP classroom) per week in most content areas Tracking *5 hours/week of support services which include support class $2,400 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 8
Auxiliary Education Services GRACE Christian School is a college preparatory institution which has a selective admissions process. As a school, we support our students with disabilities and recognize their varying needs for assistance. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, certain criterion must be met for students to qualify for services. GRACE understands that certain physical, mental, or emotional illnesses can cause difficulty in a learning environment. As such, we offer Auxiliary Education Services that fit within the boundaries of our rigorous academic program. Qualifications for Auxiliary Services In order to provide appropriate support, the guidelines listed below will be used: What is considered a disability appropriate for the Auxiliary Education Services? *To be considered a disability under Section 504, Students must meet BOTH of the following criteria: It must be a physical or mental impairment. The Department of Education describes physical or mental impairment as follows: o (A) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive, genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or o (B) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, or specific learning disabilities. 34 CFR 104.3(j)(2)(i). The disabling condition must substantially limit one or more major life activity at school: A major life activity includes (but is not limited to) learning, concentrating, thinking, communicating, reading, walking, seeing, breathing, eating, lifting, bending, and major bodily functions/systems (neurological, immune, respiratory, etc.) *Taken from the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division; Disability Rights Section: United States Department of Education. (2009). A Guide to Disability Rights Laws [Data file]. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm Eligibility Checklist 1. Does the student consistently need more time to complete assignments than the regular students? 2. Does the student exhibit frequent behaviors such as drowsiness, impulsivity, concentration problems, communication problems, or aggressiveness associated with an identified physical or mental impairment or medication taken to address the condition and do these behaviors significantly interfere with school performance? 3. Does the student exhibit significant difficulty with planning, organization, and execution of activities and assignments? 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 9
4. Is the student chronically absent or tardy for reasons related to a diagnosed physical or mental impairment and are such absences or tardies interfering with his / her school performance? 5. Are there other indicators that this student s physical or mental impairment substantially limits his / her learning? Accommodations will be related to how the disability is currently impacting the student at school. The administration, teachers, and parents will discuss these issues and the related educational needs. Plans will be set up to accommodate the individual s needs. Students with ongoing needs who will also need small group setting, extended time, or standard testing accommodations through College Board or ACT will be charged an administrative fee equivalent to the entry level LEAP fee for these services. 2016-2017 GRACE Christian School LEAP Handbook (v7.27.16) 10