ES: Student Support
Our Program
EAL (English as an Additional Language)
The Elementary EAL program consists of push-in support, where EAL teachers work with students in their mainstream classrooms, and pull-outs, where students are taught in an EAL classroom. Beginners (EAL1) receive instruction in a pull-out, sheltered immersion environment. Intermediate (EAL 2) students are taught in push-ins and/or pull-outs during Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop or receive support for academic English, content currently being taught in their classes, and classroom projects. Advanced (EAL 3) students receive push-in classroom support when needed. EAL teachers collaborate closely with classroom teachers in order to ensure that students understand the curriculum and classroom expectations.
Learning Support
The Walworth Barbour American International School Special Education program focuses on mainstreaming students with mild learning disabilities through the provision of Resource Center remediation and support. Diagnostic services, based on testing and classroom observations, are used to determine a student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Resource Center teachers collaborate with classroom teachers to implement appropriate teaching strategies, accommodations, and modifications for students. It should be noted that when possible, the RTI (Response to Intervention) approach to early identification and support is used.
Instruction provided is based on best teaching practices and the Learning Disability specialists serve as resources to the school community.
The WBAIS Special Education program is based on the following beliefs:
- Children with diagnosed mild learning disabilities can benefit from the WBAIS educational program and are entitled to Resource Center services.
- In keeping with the philosophy of the school, students with special learning needs participate maximally in the mainstream program. At the elementary level, services are delivered through remedial instruction (a methodology that addresses academic and behavioral deficits via a direct, systematic, and multi-sensory approach). At the Middle School and High School levels, services are delivered by integrating skill instruction within the content presented in mainstream classes.
- In order to be eligible to receive Resource Center services, a student must have a current psycho-educational evaluation, administered by a qualified professional, and be diagnosed with a mild learning disability.
- The Resource Center program places an emphasis on students’ development and internalization of academic skills and behaviors that will allow them to function successfully in the school setting and beyond.