Learning Resources

What are learning resources at TPS?
The learning resources team at TPS consists of a school psychologist and two learning specialists who work in collaboration with classroom teachers to design specialized plans for whole classes and for individual students. The major thrust of our work is to use a model of “differentiated instruction," adapting the pace, level, and kind of instruction to individual learners’ styles and interests. We work collaboratively with parents, administrators, and faculty to design plans to ensure the social and academic success of all students.

What types of support are offered?
We offer a flexible program, course offerings and content change frequently based on the current needs of the students. Our program is student-centered in that the learning specialists plan courses to address the needs of the students in our population. A significant aspect of the learning resources program at all grade levels is teaching students to become aware of their learning styles, adapt to various teaching styles, and monitor their own progress in each subject area. Support typically falls within the following subject areas:

• Mathematics – concepts and operations
• Language arts – reading, writing, speaking, listening
• Study skills – test prep, note taking, goal setting, productivity, memory and recall, self-monitoring (focus and attention), organization

At The Philadelphia School we provide limited standardized testing as one of several means of assessing learning; scores are analyzed in order to understand a student's learning profile. Tests published by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) are administered in 4th, 5th, and 7th grades. (Seventh grade scores are used as part of the portfolio for high school admission.) The learning resources team provide materials and support to classroom teachers several weeks before testing. Students needing additional preparation can be seen by a learning specialist in small instructional groups. The team works closely with the parents of children who need testing accommodations, such as extended time or use of a laptop.

How is support delivered?
Pull-out support. Small instructional groups meet in one of the two learning resources room for remediation or enrichment.

Push-in support. Learning resource specialists teach alongside of classroom teachers to assist with differentiated instruction.

Individual sign-up support. Middle School students arrange personal conferences with a learning specialist based on specific needs

Whole class infusion. Learning resource teachers occasionally provide instruction to all students in their regular classroom setting.

Teaming with teachers. Learning resource specialists meet regularly with teachers to discuss student progress, curricular planning, and language and math assessments.

Teaming with Outside Services. The learning specialists and school psychologist work together to support the needs of the whole child. Occasionally, additional services are needed such as tutoring, counseling, psychological testing, coaching, and mentoring. We work with parents to coordinate these services and to keep the lines of communication fluid between parent, teacher, students, and outside support services.