Learning Support at ASM

Individualized Learning Plans (ILP’s) are developed for students with diagnosed learning differences and are monitored by our support specialists in grades 1-9. Support may be offered in reading, writing and/or math. Support may be offered in class or out of class in small groups and are targeted to support the needs of each individual student. Our specialists use Research Based Interventions which are listed below.

Wilson Reading System, an intensive intervention program for students in grades 2-12 with language based learning differences such as dyslexia and dysorthography

Handwriting Without Tears, a multisensory approach to develop handwriting and support student fine motor skills

Zearn a web-based math support program connected to core math instruction

Learning support services which need ILPs are an additional fee at ASM. Students with diagnosed learning needs (IEP and/or psych-evaluation) are conditionally accepted to ASM. There are additional fees for LS teacher support which include instructional support in small group and/or individualized sessions as appropriate to each learner. In addition, ASM offers after school programs in learning support for up to three days a week.

Our learning support program provides collaborative practices to serve the selective needs of admission appropriate students.

Support may be offered in reading, writing and/or math. Support may be provided by in-class support or in small groups after school. Learning support teachers work with students who need extra help gaining strategies to become independent and confident learners . They also provide support to classroom teachers offering differentiated instruction.

ASM is not able to provide support for all levels of learning needs. ASM admits students with diagnosed mild to moderate learning needs, provided they demonstrate a reasonable ability to be successful in our K-12 academic programs. Admission of a student to ASM with diagnosed learning needs is contingent upon a match between the level of service ASM offers, availability in our learning support program at the time of application, and the accommodations and requirement needs of the student and family based on official diagnosed testing provided by the family.

At ASM, we are proud of our large international diversity. ASM uses English as its language of instruction and therefore supports students from Pre-K- 9th grade with English language acquisition. We are guided by the standards and practices of WIDA for identifying students who would benefit from our ELL services.

Students are supported in a variety of ways such as using inclusion model support as well as specialized lessons, in-class scaffolding of grade level curriculum, and progress monitoring. The program supports students in their learning of mechanics and functions of the English language and the specific language skills that relate to the learning goals of the grade level curriculum. We also scaffold and differentiate learning opportunities for English language learners to ensure understanding and optimal learning.

Applicants to Middle and High School may be asked to take an English placement assessment during the application process.

The counseling staff at ASM serves as academic advisers, future-planning guides, and provides guidance to students and families during the school years. ASM has counselors in each division, elementary, middle, and high school.

Counselors work with students, individually and in small groups, on social, emotional and academic development issues, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and problem-solving. They help students assess their strengths and weaknesses, and their interests and abilities, serving the broad goal of learning and applying responsible decision-making in their day-to-day and long-range planning.

Elementary Social Emotional Learning Curriculum (K -grade 5)

Our social emotional learning curriculum helps children learn the skills they need to manage their relationships with one another and with the adults in their lives. Using the Responsive Classroom strategies, our elementary school counselor visits classrooms to assess individual student needs, and coordinates with classroom teachers to generate needs based guidance lessons to assist in children's social, emotional, and academic growth. Each day our students begin their day with a ‘Morning Meeting’ as a way to build classroom community and a positive climate for learning.

Upper School Social Emotional Learning Curriculum (6th -12th grade)

Students in the Upper School are part of an Advisory Program which implements the Character Strong curriculum. Once a week, Advisory time is spent in various activities and discussions to build community among students and teachers. Examples of lesson topics include: developing skills and mindsets around building positive habits; understanding our emotions; increasing empathy; ways to improve themselves, their school, their relationships and the world.

Upper School students also receive throughout the school year lessons based on the needs of the student population in order to be successful in everyday life. These lessons are primarily designed and delivered by the Upper School Counselors to best support the social and emotional development of our students. The program strives to teach students the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for academic, career, and social/emotional development.