The learning specialists are dedicated to collaborating with students, teachers, and families to support the learning process when it doesn't proceed as expected, and help students reach their full academic potential. Teachers serve as the primary resource for students in the classroom and meet children where they are, developmentally and academically. If a student encounters academic difficulty and needs additional support, learning services will be provided to supplement the work done in the classroom or help identify a more significant issue.

Learning support services include classroom observations, analysis of student work, screenings to assess areas of strength and difficulty, small group and individual support sessions, in-class and at-home strategy development, access to resources and workshops, and collaboration with the teaching team, administrators, parents, and outside professionals when contracted by the family.

The Learning Specialists can help students:

• become more active, engaged learners
• develop strategies to improve time management, organization, and study skills
• set explicit timetables for daily assignments and long-term projects
• set goals to monitor comprehension and completion of assignment
• establish routines at school and at home to improve academic performance
• play to their strengths and shore up their weaknesses through development of metacognitive skills
• effectively advocate for themselves in different learning settings

Examples of accommodations at The International School of San Francisco may include:

• Extended time on school and standardized tests
• Extra breaks during testing
• A separate, quiet room to take tests
• The use of calculator during tests
• The use of a portable word processor or computer during examinations and class lectures
• Peer tutoring
• Use of assistive technology software

The learning specialist can also provide families with referrals to qualified and experienced evaluators, psycho-educational therapists, and tutors practicing outside the school setting.

Services Include:

• Drop-in counseling
• Brief individual counseling
• Enhancing communication and problem-solving between students
• Consultations with teaching team
• Consultation with parents
• Brief psychological assessments/screenings
• Referrals to community resources
• Liaison with and/or referral to outside mental health providers
• Crisis intervention
• Study skills workshops
• In-class Social and Emotional Learning Program
• In-class sex education program
• In-class bullying prevention program
• Parent education sessions

In harmony with other support services, the Advisory program provides students with daily contact and guidance from seasoned Advisors. A student can go to an Advisor with a host of questions or concerns on a wide rages of topics including: academic choices, social interactions, extra-curricular options, exam preparation, retreats, community service opportunities, clubs, homework, and much more. Essentially, the student-Advisor relationship is designed for students as they navigate the waters of their school experience.