Academics
Student Support Services
Academic Support
Support Services
List of 1 items.
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Support in the Classroom
List of 8 items.
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Support in the Classroom
The learning environment in the classroom is designed to meet the needs of each student. Through varied classroom activities, homework assignments, and assessments, student strengths are highlighted and opportunities for growth supported. Cooperative learning and collaboration are essential to our student-centered environment. Students build communication, and inquiry and problem-solving skills while learning with and from each other. -
Accommodations for Students with Documented Learning Needs
If a student is in need of formal accommodations, families must provide written documentation from a licensed psychologist/clinician. This documentation must be updated every one to five years depending on the disability. Once the documentation is received, a learning profile will be created and a meeting will be scheduled with the family to discuss the accommodation that can be provided. If a student needs and qualifies for extra time on assessments, Sewickley Academy aligns with the national standard (50% additional time) set by the College Board. Middle and Senior School students should make arrangements with their classroom teachers to use additional time on in-class assessments.
To understand more about how accommodations are provided at Sewickley Academy, please contact the Director of Student & Instructional Support. -
Direct Support from a Specialist
Most students’ academic needs can be met inside the classroom and directly from the teacher. However, in a limited number of cases, we recognize that individualized support from a specialist who can target specific skills may be needed. In an effort to meet the academic needs of our students we offer support in the following areas of learning: reading, speech/language, and executive functioning. Students may benefit from direct or consultative services provided by the professionals in these areas. -
Lower School Reading Specialist
Sally Weir, M.Ed. is our full-time reading specialist. Reading support is offered to students who qualify based on assessment and teacher recommendation. Reading support is small-group or individualized instruction outside the classroom, primarily in early grades. Mrs. Weir consults with classroom teachers in Grades 4 and 5 to implement appropriate strategies to help students grow in their reading skills. -
Lower School Speech and Language Pathologist
The Allegheny County Intermediate Unit provides a speech pathologist to provide direct speech/language therapy to individuals and small groups referred by the Support Services Team. This individual also provides consultative services to faculty, staff and parents primarily in the Lower School. They are also available to consult with faculty, staff and parents at the Middle and Senior School levels. -
Learning Specialist/Executive Functioning Skills Coach
Leslie Levine James, M.Ed. is an independent contractor at Sewickley Academy and provides long-term learning support for students in Grades 3 – 12. Parents of students may contact her directly to arrange for her to work with their child in a one-to-one setting.
Sewickley Academy's Learning Specialist, Rachel Shannon, supports students' academic progress by providing targeted, direct instruction in learning strategies to individuals or groups of students. Students are referred to her through the division Support Team process. -
Faculty as Tutors of Sewickley Academy Students
Students in need of academic support generally find meeting with a teacher on an as needed basis provides what they need in order to be successful. Students have access to one-to-one and small group support from teachers at various times during the school day and most days between 3:15 and 4:00 p.m. However, we recognize that in some cases more targeted and consistent support is needed through tutoring in a specific content or skill area. The Director of Student & Instructional Support maintains a list of Sewickley Academy faculty who provide this service in accordance with the school’s tutoring policy. If you are interested in more information on tutoring, please contact the Director of Support Services. -
Cross Age Tutor Program (CAT)
At Sewickley Academy, Senior School Students volunteer to tutor students in Grades 4-9 to achieve greater academic success.
