The Learning Support Program provides extra help to students with learning differences who can work one-on-one or in small groups.
Learning Support Team Parent Information
The Learning Support Team aims to help meet the learning needs of all of our students.
What is the purpose of an LST?
The Learning Support Team was established to provide a positive, problem-solving process to identify strategies and programs that may resolve or alleviate academic, attendance, health, social, or behavioral difficulties that students are having. We hope to create the most appropriate activities, which allow students to find success in their learning environment. In addition, this program will help educate parents to work with their children for a positive outcome.
Our Mission
The mission of the Stella Maris Academy School Learning Support Team is to assist our community in the identification, referral, intervention, and construction of an action plan to improve the well-being of students, specifically related to academics, behavior, health, and attendance.
Who is involved in the LST?
The Learning Support Team is composed of members including teachers, a learning support director, and the school principal. The team recognizes our school as a community and strives to include staff and parents/guardians who can help a student in need. The team is committed to a solution-oriented approach.
Should I ask for a LST if my child is having problems in a class?
Please discuss any specific problems or concerns with your child’s teacher. If the problem is pervasive across many settings, we may need to hold an LST meeting but please always discuss this with your child’s teacher first.
What is the LST process?
Step 1. The classroom teacher requests a Referral to the Learning Support Team. This referral includes information regarding specific concerns and previously attempted interventions and accommodations.
*Parents and teachers should discuss concerns before requesting a LST.
Step 2. An observation is made by one of the Learning Support team members. If results find a meeting is still needed, then we continue to step 3.
Step 3. The classroom teacher collects information relevant to the student’s progress, this may be in the form of an observation. This information could include: class work, anecdotal records, School Speak grade reports, behavior logs, tests, homework, attendance, parent information regarding the student’s academic and health history, parent/teacher observations, teacher reports, and STAR math/ reading records.
*Parents/guardians should complete a Parent Preparation Sheet and bring it to the the scheduled LST meeting.
Step 4. The team establishes a meeting time when all members can participate and be actively involved in the problem-solving process.
Step 5. The LST meeting is held to summarize concerns and to discuss and develop an action plan with interventions. The team discusses whether formal education testing or informal education screening should occur. The HR teacher implements LST accommodations for a period of weeks.
Step 6. If the plan is unsuccessful, a follow-up meeting is held within 6 weeks to discuss other alternatives.
What happens at a LST?
- The purpose of the LST is stated — the classroom teacher reports on the student’s progress and/or general concerns.
- Student information such as parent and/or teacher reports are distributed to all group members.
- Each team member is asked to discuss the student’s strengths and challenges with the team.
- The LST Lead summarizes the team’s input (parent, teachers, and administrator) and facilitates an action plan of intervention. The LST Lead will come prepared with a preliminary action plan.
- The preliminary action plan is shared, discussed, and modified as needed. All participants agree on the plan and receive a copy of the notes.
- A plan for follow up should be discussed.
- Students may be referred to the local public school district in which the child resides for further evaluation. We will provide parents with a letter template to request evaluation. This will guide parents and articulate their concerns to the school district. After the results are received, we meet to discuss the results.
How will I know if the plan is successful, and what do I do if it is not?
If your child is attending school, earning at least average grades, and is happy with his/her progress, the action plan would appear to be successful. If this is not happening, please check in with their teacher to obtain specific information or schedule a follow-up meeting.
Any comments or concerns regarding the LST process should first be discussed with your child’s teacher.
Current LST Members:
Mrs. Francie Moss (Principal)
Mrs. Jennifer Kwiatkowski (Learning Support Director)
More Information
Student Insight Form (Grades 3-5)
Student Insight Form (Grades 6-8)
Parentally Placed Private School Students (PPPSS) Information