At Driscoll, we believe that every student should have the opportunity and support to succeed in school. We provide the tools and resources necessary for students with a range of learning needs to access the curriculum and grow as students and members of the Driscoll community.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) for ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
The ESL program at Driscoll School provides English instruction to students whose primary language is not English. Students work on improving their English proficiency, including reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Any family who needs translation services for anything school-related (verbal or written) should contact the main office or ask the ELL teacher.
LANGUAGE AND ACADEMIC HOME BASE (LAHB)
LAHB program serves students with specific learning disabilities in one or more of the basic perceptual processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written language. Instruction is provided in small groups or in the regular education classroom with support. Determination of placement in the LAHB program would be through the special education team process.
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AND PSYCHOLOGIST
There is a school psychologist whose primary role is to provide psychological assessments as part of the special education process. She also serves as a consultant to staff and students in the regular education program. Guidance services fall into three categories: (1) Long and short term school-based individual counseling or social skills groups. (2) Parent consultation for social, emotional and academic concerns and referral to outside counseling and other services. (3) Teacher Consultation or short-term whole class lessons. Driscoll’s guidance counselor and school psychologist can be reached at 617-879-4256.
ENRICHMENT AND CHALLENGE SUPPORT (ECS)
The ECS Program provides support to K-8 classroom teachers in meeting the academic challenge needs of all students. There is a part-time ECS resource teacher at Driscoll who works directly with teachers and students to help ensure that we meet the needs of those students who have mastered grade level content.
If a student meets the requirements to qualify to receive special education services an “Individualized Education Plan” (IEP) is proposed. This document serves as a guide for support and progress. Support services are delivered within the regular classroom settings as well as in separate small groups outside of the classroom with specialized, individualized instruction through trained special education teachers. More information on the IEP process can be found by contacting the school.
Academic Learning Centers provide academic support programs for identified students. Related service providers such as a speech and language pathologist, occupational therapist, adaptive and physical therapist provide additional services when a child’s needs are interfering with his/her access to the curriculum, learning or safety.
LITERACY AND MATH SPECIALISTS
The literacy specialists and math specialists provide a range of services, including direct instruction to students who need extra help in reading, writing, and/or math. These specialists also serve as a teacher resource, providing guidance on the best practices in their field. Specialists also help teachers in assessing students’ performance levels and in making instructional decisions based on formal and informal assessment data.