Academic Support and Accommodation Program (ASAP)
Students with a diagnosed, documented learning difference are provided a Student Accommodation Plan (SAP). As incoming freshmen or as transfer students (or once a current student receives a diagnosis), and then each year that a student is enrolled at Pres, students and their families have an individual meeting with the Learning Coordinator at the start of the school year to develop a Student Accommodation Plan initially, and then update it and discuss the student’s progress. The SAP outlines accommodations and resources that support the student within a classroom setting and with testing, as well as other resources available to the student. The classes in which students enroll is determined on an individual basis.
All students with a SAP receive frequent check-ins with the Learning Coordinator and counselors throughout the school year. The Learning Coordinator engages in ongoing communication with teachers, students, and families to monitor progress and adjust supports and accommodations as needed. We also encourage and help students develop strong self-advocacy skills.
In addition, the Learning Coordinator works with students and families, in conjunction with the College Readiness Counselor, to assist with accommodation requests for standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, and AP exams. Senior students and families also receive support in applying for resources for college, community, and/or workplace accommodations for after graduation.
Students have access to the Center for Academic Success (CAS), which is a dedicated, quiet workspace and testing room with flexible work spaces and seating options so that students can work in a space that meets their needs as they work towards their academic goals - whether that be standing or working at a taller table to allow them to move, sitting in a standard chair with a large table allowing them to spread out, using a wobble stool or ball chair allowing them to move while working seated, or curling up in a comfy space. Students with testing accommodations may also test in this distraction-free space.
During their freshman year, students (with or without a SAP) may also enroll in our Freshmen Success Program (FSP) for additional support, which meets in the CAS. FSP is a course that utilizes a small group setting and is specifically designed to enhance student organization skills, study habits, and time management skills, as well as task initiation and follow-through skills. The course also utilizes goal-setting and mindfulness techniques. The students’ academic progress and grades are monitored daily, and students are given support to complete their coursework and prepare for upcoming assessments. Some students enroll in this course for one semester, while others enroll for a full year, depending on their needs and the level of support needed.
Students (with or without a SAP) can also receive additional support with assignments or work on making up assessments from an absence in the CAS or by attending Study Table, which is offered after school daily and monitored by the Learning Coordinator, a counselor, teacher, or administrator. Students also have the opportunity to work with a peer tutor from our National Honor Society.
Accommodations may include:
Testing accommodations (extended time, separate testing setting, oral reading, scribe)
Breaks, as needed
Scribe or voice-to-text for written responses and essays
Teacher-provided copies of notes
Preferential seating in classrooms
Chunking of larger assignments and projects
Frequent check-ins and/or cues to focus from teachers
Use of a fidget
Use of text-to-speech and access to audiobooks and audiotexts, including Learning Ally (online database of audio and accessible texts)
Modification of class schedule
If your daughter has a diagnosed learning, attention, or medical need and you feel she would qualify for Presentation Academy’s Academic Support and Accommodation Program, please contact Learning Coordinator Amelia Flynn at aflynn@presentationacademy.org or (502) 583-5835 Ext 125.
