Academic Support

List of 2 items.

• Michael Ufer Academic Support Classes

  One way that we help students who have particular learning challenges is through the Michael Ufer Academic Support classes. These elective classes (1 credit per semester within the block schedule) are designed to provide students in grades 9-12 with a structured, closely monitored learning environment where they can develop the motivational, organizational and academic skills needed to become confident, independent learners. The classes offer accountability, encouragement, study strategies for success and hands-on practical help for students who want a helping hand with their academics. The class structure involves teaching specific study strategies, filling out a master calendar for accountability for tests, quizzes and projects, and collaborative time to work on core classes with the help of the academic support teacher and junior/senior student mentors. There is also individual teacher/student conferencing to resolve issues of concern. Some students might also require outside professional subject-specific tutoring in addition to the class.
  
  The academic support teachers work closely with the Director of the Individualized Learning Plans and Resources to recommend strategies to assist students with their specific learning needs. Placement in classes at the freshmen level is determined at the time of admissions in collaboration with Admissions, the Learning Support Program, counselors and the academic office.

• Services for Students with Learning Needs

  Bishop Blanchet High School’s mission as a Catholic, college preparatory school calls us to address the educational needs of all students; including those with learning disabilities and individual learning differences to the extent that we can reasonably do so.
  
  Under section 504 (504 34CFR 104.39A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, students attending a private school may qualify for minor adjustments to their education experience in order to offer them an opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond. To qualify for a 504 Plan, the student must:
  
  

  “… have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities” (Section 504).
  
  

  In order to properly support student learning, documentation of a diagnosed learning or psychological disability is required in the form of Psychoeducational Evaluation, Cognitive Testing, and/or Educational Testing conducted by an Educational Psychologist or other professional education evaluator. This testing is conducted at parent expense through private clinicians or through Seattle Public Schools. Educational/Psychological testing must be current within a 3-5 year window.
  
  Dependent on the provided documentation and clinician recommendations, Blanchet can offer the following supplemental aids and testing accommodations:

  • Preferential Seating
  • Extended Time on Tests and Exams (50%/100%)
  • Separate Location for Tests, Quizzes, Exams
  • Access to peer notes or teacher notes
  • Access to computer for in-class work or written portions of exams (student provided)
  • Tests Read
  • Access to Scribe

  Per the professional evaluator’s recommendations, supplemental aids will be formulated to develop an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) which includes approved supplemental aids and/or testing accommodations.
  To develop and implement an ILP, complete testing documentation must be forwarded to the Director of Learning Resources. Upon completion of the plan, the ILP is shared with the student, parents, teachers and the student’s counselor.
  
  

  The Director of Learning Resources is available to assist both teachers and students as they work together to utilize the supplemental aids and testing accommodations. Informal Consultant Teacher services are also available so that students have an opportunity to meet with a teacher periodically throughout the academic year for guidance or assistance.