EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
UNIQUE LEARNERS, UNIQUE STRENGTHS
WELCOME TO EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
The Educational Support Division (ESD) at GIS emphasizes communication and cooperation between parents and teachers, in order to identify and address academic, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. We encourage parents to inform ESD and their child’s teachers if they anticipate challenges or have information that might help a teacher understand why the student may be experiencing challenges. In response, teachers work with ESD to implement strategies that serve students who are struggling academically, emotionally, and/or behaviorally.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Depending on available personnel, educational support services may include:
- Grace Accommodation Plan (GAP) or Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
- Guided Study Halls
- Inclusion Support
- Small Group Instruction
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Academic Assessments
GRACE ACCOMMODATION PLAN
Most of the students served by the Educational Support Division have a GAP that communicates the student’s challenges and needs to the classroom teacher. This plan enables our staff to utilize the best methods of accommodating students within the mainstream classroom.
INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PLAN (ILP)
An ILP is for students with diagnosed learning, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities who require modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify classroom content is a decision made by both teachers and parents and may impact the student’s ability to receive a High School diploma.
INCLUSION SUPPORT
Inclusion Support is provided when a student needs an additional support person in the classroom to help with academics, focusing, behavior, etc. This provides support for both the student and the teacher.
GUIDED STUDY HALL
In Middle School and High School, we have Guided Study Halls for students with a GAP or ILP. This is a study hall with an Educational Support Teacher who supports students by teaching organizational skills, study strategies, behavior management, self-advocacy, and supports classroom instruction.
STUDENT SUCCESS TEAM
If a student is not succeeding, teachers or parents can request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting, in which teachers, parents, and students (when appropriate) meet with an Educational Support staff member, principal, or counselor to analyze the problem and commit to specific actions to help the student. For more information, contact Edu.Support.director@gisthailand.org.
R.I.S.E. PROGRAM
The RISE program is a classroom designed to support students with the most unique needs through grade 8. Our team strives to help our students increase independence through support and education. Curriculum is based on the individual’s strengths, interests, and preferences. Within our classroom are individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, moderate learning disability, and more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We understand you may have questions beyond this. If you don't find your answer below please email us.
INQUIRING FAMILIES
Yes, we do accept 504’s and IEPs from outside schools. In order to help the application process go smoothly we require a copy of the current 504 or IEP, past educational testing as well as school reports/report cards to be included in the application. Acceptance is based on available educational support personnel.
Depending on the severity of the challenges, we have some informal tests that we can provide here at GIS that could give us some information on where the student is functioning. If informal tests show the student just needs a little extra help catching up then our Educational Support Division can work with the student and/or teacher to give them some tools to help. If the tests show that the students’ needs are more significant, then formal educational testing may be required.
CURRENT ENROLLED FAMILIES
A GAP is for students who have been identified through a medical and/or educational assessment as needing accommodations in the school setting. The specific accommodations provided will depend on the student’s diagnosis and specific challenges.
An ILP is for students who require modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify classroom content is a decision made by both teachers and parents and may impact the student’s ability to receive a High School diploma.
Talk to teachers first and get their input. If teachers concur, then next steps would be to try and brainstorm possible causes and some possible solutions that could help in the classroom, at home, or if necessary find outside help i.e. counselor. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teacher, principal, and counseling staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
Talk to the teacher first and try to brainstorm possible causes and possible solutions together. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teachers, principal, and educational support staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
