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Learning Support & Extension
Intervention and Extension Programs
The Alice Springs Steiner School offers intervention programs for students who require additional support, as well as extension opportunities for students performing above their expected class level.
Our Learning Support program is designed for children who are at risk in their literacy and numeracy learning. In the school context, Learning Support staff work to assist children with learning needs and differences in specific areas, within an inclusive setting. This approach operates on three levels:
Level 1: Whole School/Whole Class Programs
In this level, the teacher follows the curriculum and employs skilled differentiation within lessons to address the diverse needs of all students in the class.
Level 2: Specific Support Programs
At this level, small groups of children receive additional assistance from another teacher or an individual support assistant. Support may be provided within the class or through short withdrawal sessions to focus on specific educational goals.
Level 3: Intensive Support Programs
In this level, support is provided in a near 1:1 ratio of teacher/student. Often, this involves brief withdrawal from the class to target specific educational goals.
The Sounds-Write Program underpins our Learning Support program. Sounds-Write is an evidence-based phonics program designed to teach reading and spelling using a structured, cumulative, sequential, and explicit method.
Our Learning Support Approach
The school utilises Educational Adjustment Plans (EAP) to target specific learning goals for individual students. The Learning Support team focuses on working with the goals outlined in the plans while supporting the class as a whole.
Educational Adjustment Plans (EAP)
Making adjustments to the class program to meet a broad range of needs is a standard practice, and parents will be invited to participate in this process, particularly when an EAP is created. The EAP is a collaborative process that incorporates parents' insights into their child’s life. All information shared is kept completely confidential and used by the class teacher and the learning support coordinator to develop targeted strategies that assist your child in accessing the curriculum and reaching their potential.The Importance of Working Together - Research and common sense tell us that the best interests of the child are served when schools work collaboratively with parents to achieve the best educational outcomes. We see this collaborative process as a continuous one, beginning with pre-enrolment interviews and extending throughout your child’s journey with us.
Extension Opportunities in the Classroom
Learning extension opportunities are available for students who exceed expected standards. Students who consistently demonstrate mastery of the current class level’s standards are challenged through explicit teaching to progress to the next level of work. These tasks may include:
- Reading more complex and extended texts, and discussing them with peers in guided groups and literature circles
- Developing advanced vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation skills
- Being challenged to solve multi-step mathematical problems