LEARNING SUPPORT
We aim for every child to be the best they can be and achieve to their potential. Sometimes there is a need to provide additional programmes to support the learning of individuals and groups of students.
Teachers use assessment information to group students according to learning needs in reading, writing and mathematics. Teachers and students will also co-construct personal learning goals in these areas.
These programmes are provided dependent on resourcing and personnel. Teachers and management make the final decisions as to who would benefit from these programmes.
PB4L - Positive Behaviour for Learning
What is PB4L?
The School-Wide framework Positive Behaviour for Learning School Wide (PB4LSW) is a long term approach that supports us here at our school to create a culture where positive behaviour and learning thrive. Students are taught in very specific terms what behaviours are expected of them. There is a consistent response to these behaviours across the school. The framework has been adopted the Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support (PBIS) framework from the United States.
The Principles Behind PB4L..
Positive Behaviour for Learning believes:
Positive behaviour can be learnt and difficult and disruptive behaviour can be unlearnt.
Individual children are not a 'problem' - we need to change the environment around them to support positive behaviour.
Punishing and isolating children doesn't bring about long-term and sustainable changes in behaviour.
We need to concentrate on a small number of evidence-based programmes and frameworks that we know work.
There are no quick fixes. Behaviour change takes time.
The Difference PB4L Will Make..
Children and young people will be more engaged and will achieve at school.
Teachers and leaders will spend more time teaching and less stressed.
Educators will keep more children and young people at school, will feel confident and will feel supported in addressing behaviour problems.
Parents and whanau will have more positive relationships with their children and home will be more positive and harmonious.
School leaders and Boards will celebrate the learning and achievement of all their students.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages
The Target Road School ESOL programme provides a comprehensive and interactive learning programme to enhance the English Language Learner’s (ELL) use of English effectively for communication, social and academic needs through immersion in the four modes of English of listening, speaking, writing and reading.
TRS take the time to understand each ELLs language background, language proficiency, and experiential background. Each student and parent get to meet the ESOL teacher and the Principal before classes commence.
In the ESOL Programme, a number of learning tools and strategies are used, combined with technology, to support the ELL in the mainstream class.
TRS uses the Ministry of Education’s Ready to Read series which supports multiple pathways to literacy. The ESOL reading promotes independence with activities to build word attack skills and various reading strategies.
The ESOL programme focuses on numeracy to support the ELLs with the language of Maths.
The learning outcomes for ELLs are explicit - the ESOL programme scaffolds the learning for all ELLs.
TRS has clear identified learning outcomes - the teachers carefully identify what language the ELL needs to achieve success.
The ESOL room provides a nurturing, supportive, yet challenging environment for new learners of English.
Learning English is fun when it is meaningful and contributes to the student’s ability to use good learning strategies in the classroom.
The ESOL programme include timetables outside of the mainstream class, for the specific needs of each ELL.
Homework Sheets
The classroom teacher sets homework sheets and these may be brought to the ESOL sessions to help ELLs understand what is needed.
Classroom Topics
Classroom topics are also included within the ESOL programme. Communications with the classroom teachers is done on a regular basis. Inquiry learning is done over two terms - this challenges the ELL with language acquisition and research skills.
With the use of visuals, photos, pictures, maps and diagrams, there is plenty of opportunity for written and oral support.
ESOL Group Classes
ELLs are placed into an ESOL class with a varied and interesting programme and continued support using visual and concrete material for a varied and interesting programme.
Home Reading
Children are encouraged to loan ESOL readers to take home and share with family members. Time is allocated to check the reading levels and to conduct reading assessments.
Workbooks
Each child has a workbook and a scrapbook set-aside for ESOL sessions - these are available to parents at anytime.
Incidental Lessons
The ELLs may bring material and news from their country of origin to share with others - time will be given to allow for this.
Parent Information
Some useful web references for parents of ESOL children:
https://www.studyladder.co.nz/