The Foundation for a Meaningful Life
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
Kindergarten - Grade 9 in Southborough, MA
Academics
Learning Services
Resources for Academic Support
Learning Services Overview
The Learning Services Department supports children with diverse learning needs from Kindergarten to grade nine. The department includes Learning Specialists, a reading specialist, and a speech and language pathologist, all of whom understand children’s unique learning styles. These Learning Specialists work in collaboration with classroom teachers to ensure that each child has the specific support they need to establish a strong foundation of academic and life skills. At each grade level, specialists provide academic support individually, within a small-group setting, or integrated into the classroom based on a child’s individual needs.
Screenings
In-school screenings are conducted as needed to assess progress and needs. Information derived from these screenings is shared with the team to suggest supportive classroom interventions. If a student continues to have difficulty accessing the curriculum, an external neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluation may be recommended. Information from these reports is used to create learning profiles that are shared with classroom teachers. The Director of Learning Services supports families throughout the evaluation process and manages the cases of each student with a learning profile.
Primary School
In the Primary School, students may work with a reading specialist or speech and language pathologist. Support is provided individually, in small groups, or in the classroom. Specialists closely monitor the progress of each child, adjusting intervention as needed. Our reading specialists are trained in a variety of evidence-based reading interventions and tailor their support to supplement the classroom literacy program by meeting individual needs. Additionally, limited speech and language support is available during school hours.
Lower School
In the Lower School, children requiring specialized reading support have an opportunity to work with a trained reading specialist either individually or in a small group. Fay’s reading specialists are trained in a variety of evidence-based reading interventions. In addition, Learning Specialists are available to work in the classroom and with small groups to bolster their reading, writing, and math skills. Some students with diagnosed learning differences qualify for additional one-on-one academic support, which can be provided by the Learning Specialist in grades three and four and for a fee in grades five and six.
Upper School
In the Upper School, the Learning Services team provides varied levels of support based on students’ needs. Fay’s qualified Learning Specialists address the needs of any student who, due to their varied learning profiles, may require extra interventions and individualized support. During team meetings, specialists also share specific strategies and tools with teachers to facilitate student success. Such support may include developing and strengthening executive functioning skills, teaching how to plan and complete a long-term assignment or project, or bolstering math and writing skills. Learning Specialists also provide testing accommodations, such as a separate setting and extra time.
Individualized Academic Support
Individualized Academic Support with a Learning Specialist is available for an additional fee to students with documented learning needs. Sessions are scheduled during the school day, and Learning Specialists work with the faculty to ensure they understand the academic demands and what strategies can best support their learning.
Learning Profiles
Once an evaluation is completed and a student and a learning difference has been identified, a profile is developed by the learning services team and shared with classroom teachers and advisor. This learning profile will provide an overview of the student’s learning difference/disability, as well as the recommended academic or social-emotional supports. In addition, accommodations are outlined so that all individuals working with the student can support them in the classroom and with assessments. These learning profiles are used to appropriately shape the learning experience to enhance each student’s strengths and provide support to help these students become confident, independent learners.
Learning Profiles
Once an evaluation is completed and a student and a learning difference has been identified, a profile is developed by the learning services team and shared with classroom teachers and advisor. This learning profile will provide an overview of the student’s learning difference/disability, as well as the recommended academic or social-emotional supports. In addition, accommodations are outlined so that all individuals working with the student can support them in the classroom and with assessments. These learning profiles are used to appropriately shape the learning experience to enhance each student’s strengths and provide support to help these students become confident, independent learners.
About the Learning Services Specialists
Learning Specialists collaborate closely with the faculty to understand the learning profiles of our students with documented learning differences and help with the implementation of any accommodations. Profiles are available online for the teachers who have the student in their class and are made available to parents.
In addition, an evaluation of educational testing, class observations, and consultations with teachers, parents, and advisors help the learning specialist determine the best strategies for working with a student. This may include arranging extra support when appropriate, working with classroom teachers to address recommended accommodations, or educating and supporting faculty and staff in their efforts to meet the needs of our students.
48 MAIN STREET
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201
SOUTHBOROUGH, MA 01772
main number 508-490-8250
admission 508-490-8201
