Student Learning Services at Dawson

List of 5 items.

• Learning Differences

  As reflected in our Diversity Statement and Core Values, Dawson recognizes that students learn differently and celebrates neurodiversity. Dawson's student body reflects a variety of learning styles and includes children with diagnosed learning differences.
  
  Referral Process
  

  The referral process begins when a teacher or a family contacts the Dean of Student Services, who will then start the internal assessment. Support for students follows a multidisciplinary approach and may include classroom observations, assessments, and work sample reviews. Students may be referred for a neuropsychological evaluation or services such as speech or occupational therapy. Dawson provides referrals to community providers.
  
  

  Based on assessment and classroom observation data, Dawson's Learning Strategists work alongside teachers and families to create student academic intervention and accommodation plans. We also provide on-campus options for speech or occupational therapy, as well as referrals to a variety of community providers, including resources for clinical educational evaluations.

• Academic Support and Enrichment

  Dawson's learning support model allows students in grades first through eighth to access academic intervention and enrichment. Using data to respond to individual student needs, Dawson's expertly-trained Learning Support Team faculty work with students 1:1, in small groups, and as co-teachers in the classroom to support students throughout the school day.
  
  Learn about our Learning Support Team.

• Learning Labs

  Dawson provides two learning lab options for students who need specialized support.
  
  Our Language Lab program includes additional reading, writing, and word study instruction for students in grades one through eight.
  
  Middle School students who need executive functioning support may take part in our Student Success Lab to build essential skills such as time management, task initiation, and long-term planning. Both labs take place during the world language block to ensure students receive the instruction they need during the school day.

• School Counseling

  Dawson's Student Services includes a supportive and robust school counseling program. There are two full-time school counselors on campus, one for early childhood through grade 4 and one for grades 5-8. The counselors are available for all students in 1:1 or small group conversations as needed. They also facilitate whole group lessons in the classroom in partnership with homeroom teachers.

• What I Need (WIN) Time

  All middle school students (Grades 5-8) participate in instructional periods called “What I Need” (WIN) several times during a Dawson cycle. WIN is a targeted instructional time outside the core academic blocks designed to meet the needs of all learners. Students are placed in data-informed, fluid groupings that are adjusted throughout the year based on student needs. Lessons target literacy and math skills that enrich the content and instruction provided during core subject classes.