From Nursery to Grade 12, we manage student achievement and holistic development on a number of levels. We have developed a comprehension program for early intervention and follow up support for academic gaps (both remediation and acceleration), emotional and social challenges and other developmental issues. Our Inclusion Policy provides for observation and assessment protocols, extensive and frequent conferencing with parents and, when required, intervention with a special educator and therapists.
EARLY INTERVENTION
We keep a close watch on new entrants, particularly for the first six months, to ensure that they adjust. This includes academic observation as well as a session with the counsellor and class teachers. Since evidence clearly establishes both effectiveness and urgency of early intervention, any concern particularly with the youngest students gets escalated to the level of the programme leader and counselling team so that steps to support the student can be taken when the child is at an age when s/he is most responsive to corrective measures.
IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIAL NEEDS
When a concern is raised by a teacher or parent that a student may require additional support, we refer the student to a qualified clinical psychologist to conduct a full assessment and to file a report with both the parents and the school. If it is determined that the student has a learning disability or special need of any kind, the special educators immediately develop an Individualised Educational Programme (IEP) with the special educators or shadow teachers provided by the parents for the child which includes one-on-one or small group interventions plus therapy, in addition to appropriate modifications and adaptations of curriculum and assessments. Special educators, generally work with a fewer children and also mentor and anchor the other special educators and shadow teachers who accompany the children to school.
TRACK PROGRESS AND PLAN INTERVENTIONS
Each student’s progress is tracked through comprehensive authentic and varied assessment in the classroom and, at key points, in partnership with organisations such as Jodo Gyan and Educational Initiatives (EI). This data are analysed at both micro and macro levels so that remediation can happen immediately, within the classroom and outside of school hours. For older students, this course correction is intended to be pre-emptive and proactive, not merely remedial, to help each student achieve his or her best.
