Learning support is additional support to assist students who have learning difficulties and are identified through an evaluation process. It includes the resources, strategies, & practices that provide physical, social, emotional, and intellectual supports intended to help all students have an equal opportunity for success at school by addressing learning barriers. Learning support can include inclusion practices (students have accommodations and modifications made in their regular education classroom.) It can also include pull-out instruction (students receive instruction in a small group environment in another classroom). Learning support provides the necessary scaffolding to help all students be successful learners.
Speech and Language Support
Speech and Language Support is a service provided by a
trained speech and language pathologist.
Speech-language pathologists in the school setting serve students by
applying the best available research evidence, using expert clinical judgments,
and considering clients' individual preferences and values. Speech-language
pathologists provide treatment for students when their academic success is
inhibited by communication and/or swallowing difficulties in the following
areas:
Articulation
- ability to produce speech sounds
Language –
comprehension (ability to understand information that is presented) and
expression (ability to use language) including phonology; morphology; syntax;
semantics; and literacy (reading,
writing, spelling)
Fluency -
stuttering
Voice –
quality (resonance, pitch, and loudness) of speech
Pragmatics -
language use, social aspects of communication and prelinguistic communication
(e.g., joint attention, intentionality, communicative signaling)
Cognition-
attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, executive functioning
Feeding and Swallowing - oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal
A student must qualify for speech and
language support based on an evaluation consisting of standardized assessments,
classroom performance/observations, and parent and teacher input.