WHAT IS ACADEMIC SUPPORT?
Academic Support is an academic intervention provided by the Dean of Academic Support or other member of the Student Support Team. The individual in this role works directly with students in need of positive intervention strategies. Depending on the needs of the student this may address the concerns of teachers and provide basic academic assistance.
Typically, the Dean of Academic Support assists with time management and problem solving strategies to balance the academic course responsibilities and deadlines.
WHO IS THE STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM?
The Student Support Team (SST) consists of counselors and specialists that meet routinely to discuss the holistic needs of a student. The Dean for Academic Support is a member of this team and serves as a liaison between student and teacher in the hopes of resolving academic challenges experienced by the student.
HOW DOES MY STUDENT RECEIVE ACADEMIC SUPPORT?
Students are typically referred to the SST by their teachers as struggling to meet expectations. The SST then meets to create an action plan for the student based on their individual needs and a member of the team is designated as a case manager. It is the responsibility of that SST member to then provide academic assistance, document those meetings and communicate with teachers.
Academic Support takes place in the Student Services Suite which is located on the fourth floor. Students are welcome to come by anytime their schedule allows, but academic support typically takes place before school, at lunch, during advisory or an assigned study block, if they have one.
Why might a student work with Learning Support?
What services does the Learning Support provide?
The goal of college counseling is to support each student as they develop a plan that meets their individual needs. This may mean attending a university or college, taking a gap year, or pursuing an alternative path. We believe that the “Best/Good Program” is defined by how well it is an appropriate fit for each student. Parents and students are encouraged to invest time in the future and make decisions based on a foundation of knowledge, understanding of the process and individual university and college websites, while holding the student’s needs at the core.
College and career counseling at the high school begins in 9th grade, where students work on personal reflection, self-discovery, and informed decision making. In 10th grade, students are given the opportunity to do a career-based interest inventory, encouraged to look at admissions requirements and connect their self-knowledge with college choices. Toward the end of grade 10, they are asked to decide whether to enter the full IB Diploma Program or to take IB courses. In 11th grade, students are supported as they research and formalize their post-secondary plans. Students are requested to limit their applications to six, but should consider many schools and a range of options. Students are encouraged to be the captain of their own research and college admissions team with the support of parents, teachers and counselors.
