Our Lady of Mount Carmel School offers students with learning challenges i.e., dyslexia, decoding difficulties, dysgraphia, math computation and application difficulties, processing disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and attention difficulties, resources to enable them to succeed. (Students who qualify for Speech/Language servicing receive instruction from NNPS speech therapists.) Using the results of detailed psycho-educational evaluations by a licensed psychologist or diagnostician, students may receive accommodations as well as direct instruction by experienced, certified Master’s Level Special Education teachers in areas of identified challenges. Students may also receive assistance with organization and study skills designed to help them in the classroom. In addition, the Resource Program offers students the following supports:

• Classroom Accommodations - based on individual testing results and/or in-class observations, students may receive tailored accommodations to ensure optimal academic and social achievement

• Teacher Support - Teachers receive information about the students in their class and ideas and assistance for working with them effectively

• Classroom related instruction and remedial instruction relates directly to curriculum topics presented in the classroom, eliminating the need for make-up work

• IEP Goal Instruction: determined on a case-by-case basis

• Student Education Plan - education plans are written for all Resource students to best meet their educational need

• Consultation: Students and families receive assistance with referrals for outside support on issues related to their academic performance and/or social/emotional needs, information regarding and assistance with the educational testing process, tutoring service information, community based workshops and available community resources

• In-House Assessment: standardized diagnostic testing in the areas of Reading and Math are conducted on an as-needed basis. Results are used to determine need for additional outside assessment, and/or for formulation of student education plans

Requirements consist of one of the following:

1. Psycho-educational testing that is current-within three years of completion
2. Completed referral form by student’s classroom teacher
3. Copy of current student IEP or previous IEP’s, when applicable
4. Recommendation of licensed physician

We encourage you to call and make an appointment with the Director of Resource, Mrs. Gail McWhorter, to discuss your child’s academic needs and history. If your child has a diagnosis other than a learning disability or (diagnosis of) attention difficulties, please telephone to discuss what we may be able to do to meet the needs of your child. Our students have found great academic success with staying organized, using taught study skills, and attending extra help sessions offered throughout the school. If your child wants to succeed, he or she will find success by paying attention, completing assigned work, and studying each night. We strive to fulfill our mission by working in partnership with parents to ensure the optimal achievement of each child entrusted to our care.