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Gateway’s Special Education Department is a Resource Specialist Program (RSP). Resource Services are the least restrictive environment in the Special Education spectrum. Therefore, Gateway typically serves students with mild to moderate learning disabilities such as visual, auditory, and graph-motor difficulties, ADD and ADHD, Speech and Language needs, and mild forms of Autism. Gateway does not offer Special Day Class (SDC) or an Inclusion Program.

Please contact Ashley Hager, Learning Center Director for questions regarding special education services at 415/ 749-3600 x27

Students who have IEPs are eligible to receive the following services:

• Study/Learning Skills classes 3x/ week (limited to students with the greatest need)

• Consultation with RSP regarding accommodations, class schedules, graduation requirements, and tutoring

• Collaboration between the student, RSP, and general education teacher to provide classroom/testing accommodations and ensure academic success

• RSP or Paraprofessional in-class support (according to student and classroom need)

Learning Skills Classes

These classes are taught by a RSP (Resource Specialist Provider) 3 times per week. Each class contains 4-8 students in the same grade level. The study skills classes are treated as elective courses and students receive 5 credits per semester and a letter grade for their class participation.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the Learning Skills class is to enhance students’ ability to be independent and successful in school by integrating effective study skills into their core classes. Students will also attain skills aligned with their Individualized Education Plan.

CLASS LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Over the course of the year, the class will be covering the following topics:

• Organization for Success

• Using Technology as a Tool

• Knowing Your IEP Goals and Accommodations

• Self-awareness: Knowing Strengths and Advocating for Yourself

• Goal Setting

• Note-taking

• Preparing for Tests and Test Taking Strategies

• Editing/Revising Tools

• Comprehension Tools

• College Awareness: Skills, Accommodations, Applications

CLASS STRUCTURE

This class meets three times a week. The beginning of the class is focused on a study skills lesson. During the remaining time, students focus on individual homework as well as improving the skills needed in their core classes. Students also work individually or in small groups on assignments with or without support, depending on their needs. Students will also be working towards building a Learning Skills Portfolio which reflects mastery of study skills taught in class.

Consultation (2x/month or as needed)

Students on consultation with an RSP are very independent and require a minimal amount of support in the classroom. Typically, the RSP works with the student to ensure that he/she receives the accommodations outlined in their IEP and that they are successful with the amount of support tthey receive.

In – Class Support (according to student and classroom need)

Students may receive support in general education classes. Support is provided by an RSP or Paraprofessional.

RSPs and Paraprofessionals work with teachers to provide accommodations outlined in students’ IEPs. Some common supports include:

• Copy of notes from teacher lectures

• Individual/group work assistance

• Clarifying directions

• Reinforcing lesson objectives

• Testing accommodations (in the LC, reader, scribe, extra time)

• Pull out for difficult assignments or tasks

• Implementation of behavior plans

Gateway’s Resource Program implements accommodations as outlined in the student’s IEP.

The following are accommodations that are specifically coordinated by an RSP in collaboration with the classroom teacher.

• Preferential seating

• Calculator

• Tape recorder (lecture and instruction)

• AlphaSmarts (to type notes and write essays in class)

• Extra time for completion of assignments, tests, projects

• Monitoring assignments and projects in an assignment notebook

• Testing individually or in a small group

• Use of books on tape

• Fewer questions/problems on math assignments

• Reduce/shorten written and reading assignments

• Use of computers for tests

• Access to a reader or scribe for tests