The International School of Port of Spain has a commitment to developing the individual potential of each student  and aims to provide a comprehensive, sequential framework for meeting individual student differences while simultaneously promoting high standards of academic achievement.

The Student Support Team includes teachers, support personnel, school principals, and guidance counselors. These teams exist at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.

The focus is on a collaborative, problem-solving approach, blending the expertise, services and resources of the general education and support staff to provide interdisciplinary support to the classroom teacher.

Student Support Services primarily uses an inclusion model, which means that we offer in-class support. Teaching Assistants have been assigned to specific classrooms to support the general curriculum and provide academic / remedial assistance to students with language, learning or behavioral challenges. The inclusion model promotes socialization skills, as well as, learning / re-teaching the content of the topic / subject. In addition to the inclusion model, Student Support Services provides limited remedial sessions in a separate setting for individuals or small groups needing specialized instruction in ESOL or academics.

If your child has an ILP, IEP, or an educational assessment recommending one-to-one support, ISPS may be able to offer this support at an additional cost to the parent.

SUPPORT PROCESS

In cases where a student exhibits difficulty, or if their skills and strengths are discrepant from grade level expectations, their name may be mentioned (for academic and/or behavioral reasons) at a grade level meeting. The Student Support Team reviews the student’s file and the specific areas of concern, and decides on a plan of action.

 This process consists of:

• Pre-referral for support services stating the areas of concern.

• The use of teacher / staff observations, curriculum-based assessment, academic screening and parent feedback.

• Suggested teaching strategies, interventions, and accommodations to curriculum, along with positive behavioral support.

• May recommend a full educational assessment administered by an outside professional, to determine the specific area of difficulty. This would be the financial responsibility of the parent.

• An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) may be developed. This plan focuses on the student’s unique learning style, and identifies student goals and objectives.

• Parental and teacher input are essential in developing an ILP and parents may be asked to attend a meeting to review the plan, as their support is crucial to success.

NEW STUDENT CANDIDATES

All students applying for entrance into ISPS must complete an application form and a screening test for placement. Students with English language needs, specialized learning needs or behavioral needs, must be evaluated by Student Support services prior to placement. It is essential that the school be aware of the services each student needs in order to determine if ISPS is able to provide an appropriate placement and offer the necessary support. Besides providing the required academic record for all students, any student with a history of special needs must also provide current psycho-educational reports, special education plans, and any other anecdotal records available.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

Student Support Services offers assistance to a variety of students who typically need help in diverse areas. Following are the main categories of students supported by the program.

Students with Learning Disabilities are students with  learning gaps or processing difficulties that delay development or acquisition of knowledge.

Students with Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD) are students with attention difficulties, who are often hyperactive, forgetful, easily distracted and have poor impulse control.

Students with Behavioral Issues are students who display maladaptive or ineffective behaviors, or have motivational problems that prevent them from maximizing their potential in the classroom and other social settings.

Students who are learning English as a second/other language (ESOL) are students whose native language is not English and are learning English for the first time, or who have a limited English background.

Elementary & Middle School students who are functioning academically above grade level may receive enrichment activities and assignments in addition to the general curriculum. High School students may enroll in  Advanced Placement courses.

ESOL STUDENTS

ESOL students will be assessed and programs will be designed to meet their individual needs. Whenever possible students will be fully immersed in general education classes with assistance being provided in the classroom. In some instances students will be pulled out for small group or individual sessions with support staff. If a student has no English background it may be necessary to provide initial / individual instruction. If private instruction is necessary in order for a student to be successful, ISPS reserves the right to ask the parents to bear the additional cost of a tutor.

Student Support Services offers a variety of support methods within the classroom. These include using small group settings, supportive teaching (rotating among the student while the teacher takes the lead role), and consultation (working in collaboration with the teacher).

Within these methods we are able to:

• Provide alternative formats for test taking.

• Adapt the curriculum / instructional techniques

• Differentiate the instruction / content.

• Provide remediation

• Provide positive academic / behavioral support for students.

• Teach students strategies using their unique learning styles.

• Provide after school support to address student organization, planning and self reliance.

Student Support staff are also available to provide:

• Consultation and in-service for teachers and other staff members on specific teaching techniques and strategies.

• Support for parents on how to deal with children experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties.

• Links between parents and outside agencies offering additional therapies, evaluations or other needed support.

Why Use Student Support Services?

If a child exhibits any one of the following characteristics, he / she may be in need of academic / behavioral support:

• Does not speak, read or write English

• Has poor attention, or attends to everything in his / her environment

• Cannot follow oral or written directions

• Works slowly or does not complete tasks

• Is impulsive and often acts without thinking things through

• Has difficulty with reading or reading comprehension

• Has difficulty with math calculations

• Behaves erratically

• Does not complete assignments

• Is extremely disorganized and loses materials / homework

• Has poor interaction with peers and / or adults

• Tires easily

• Has poor self esteem and gives up before trying

         " All students learn differently; no two are the same. Students who need extra attention should not be made to feel ostracized or inadequate. The team at Student Support Services works with students to assist them to function more effectively within the classroom. This allows them to receive the help they need, while  enabling them to be a participant in classes and other activities. "

Ms. Marlene Freeman

Specialist Offering Support (SOS) Team Coordinator  

Email: mfreeman@isps.edu.tt

Phone: 868-633-4777

Fax: 868-632-4595