Today's Lesson

In our experience we have met 2 types of parents; parents looking for the best school (‘best’ based on a set of criteria predetermined well before they speak to us). And - the other type of parent.  Parents who are determined to find the best school for their child.

 

If you are the first type of parent, best of luck to you on your search. We are confident you will find an amazing school (as many do exist) and your child may (or may not) bask in their glow of excellence. Unfortunately, excellence does not breed through osmosis. We believe that one rather, should approach selecting their child’s school with a grain of realism. 

 

Which brings me to the most important question you can ask yourself to launch your search: “What is the best school for my child?”

 

At Wolff Educational Services we conduct needs assessments that breaks this criteria into 3 selection houses. They are the Social, Emotional and Academic Houses of your child’s success and achievement at school. We have broken these houses into realistic criteria based on actual achievement data (the learning skills) and are written in academic language (reflective of curriculum expectations). Once the assessment is completed, it is simply a matter of matching the results (your child's area of strength and need) with the schools that offer programming in these areas. The equation breeds student success and achievement. Its flawless in its design.

 

Parents, education today is comprised of these 3 houses working together in unity and harmony. Students must demonstrate learning in all 3 of these areas in order to be successful. The way the curriculum is taught and learned is not inherent of 20th century practices anymore. 21st century classrooms are much more layered in there design and learning platforms are reflective of differentiated instruction, individualized for your child to demonstrate learning and skills. 

 

Before you begin your school search, know what it is your are looking for. Know what your child's strengths and areas of need are in each area (house) of the learning platforms and how they relate to both the classroom and school. Understand what the classroom does and can do, map the landscape as you would any foreign environment. 

 

And if you feel like you need an education in all things education before you try and map out a route for your child - call us! We can help - however, we will only find the best school for your child….not necessarily what you think is the best school.

 

Until Our Next Lesson……

 

The Low Down on LD's

October is Learning Disability Awareness month. A learning disability is not something that one can outgrow and it does not go away. Students with LD’s must recognize that they are not dumb, slow, unsuccessful – or any other labels that children who have learning disabilities often feel.

In fact, just the opposite pertains to these children and students. These students need to know that with appropriate resources, supports and understanding, they will be successful. Schools today are beginning at a young age, to educate students with LD’s about their areas of challenge and what they need to do in order to be successful. Students need to learn to advocate for themselves.  Students, even young ones, need to understand how they learn and implement these methods and strategies into their daily routine.

Once a student is diagnosed, the school is legally obligated to alter the school program to compensate for the specific area(s) of disability. Because these students are capable of learning and being very successful accommodations are applied to help make up for areas of weakness. 

By definition, a Learning Disability affects the ability to acquire, retain, understand, organize and/or use information.  Sometimes one of these areas is affected and sometimes multiple areas are impaired. That’s why no two LD’s are the same. 

Teachers look for the following criteria when deciding if a student is presenting with learning difficulties:

Difficulty listening, speaking and/or understanding oral language

Difficulty decoding words and understanding written language

Difficulty spelling and expressing ideas in writing

Difficulty with math computations and problem solving

Difficulty planning what needs to be done and following through

Difficulty with social interactions

Academic underachievement – appearing lazy

Unusually high level of effort and/or support to achieve success

If you suspect your child has a LD speak to their teacher today.

Special Education teams exist in all schools and are there to aid and support your child and family through developing a plan to ensure student success and achievement for ALL.

Until Our Next Lesson…