Student’s educational experiences have changed dramatically in recent months due to the coronavirus. There is still significant uncertainty about what will happen moving forward and how this will impact education. Many schools are limiting time in the classroom and shifting to online learning. These changes can be difficult and students may find themselves experiencing new challenges under the current circumstances.
Academic Accommodations and Support
Legally schools are required to meet the needs of students with certain challenges if they qualify for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. These plans provide accommodations and assistance to help students succeed in school.
Support for online learning can include:
- Help with organization
- Extra reminders and check-ins to keep on track
- Breaking down assignments into smaller segments and monitoring progress
- Extended time for tests and assignments
- Supplemental notes or alternative educational materials
As long as schools remain in session (either in-person or online) they must continue to adhere to the terms IEP and 504 Plans. There may be adjustments or some limitations due to feasibility and safety protocols but schools still need to meet the needs of students who qualify for accommodations and support. More information is provided here:
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/qa-covid-19-03-12-2020.pdf
Qualifying for Accommodations and Support
Students are often encouraged to complete neuropsychological and educational testing to help support eligibility for an IEP or 504 Plan and to better determine the student’s individual needs. While students may have previously not qualified for additional academic support, the changing learning environment and novel stressors related to the coronavirus may impact students’ current qualifications.
Students who already have an IEP or 504 Plan may also benefit from testing to help assess current functioning and determine whether updates are needed to address changes to classwork and the school experience. Neuropsychological and educational testing is a standardized evaluation process to assess intellectual, academic, and psychosocial functioning. These tests are used to support diagnosis and treatment planning for different conditions that impact learning. They also provide guidance for planning academic support outlined in IEP and 504 Plans.
Academic Support Services from Chicago Mind Solutions
Some children may need outside support services in addition to those provided by school. During this time, schools may have limited resources and functional limitations that prevent them from providing optimal support to students. Students who do not necessarily qualify for an IEP or 504 Plan may also benefit from academic support provided outside of the school setting. This may be particularly important for students due to changes related to the coronavirus to help adapt to virtual learning, less rigid school structures, and decreased class time. Chicago Mind Solutions offers the following academic support services:
Individual Tutoring with Learning Specialists
A learning specialist is more than just a tutor – they typically possess a masters degree and have obtained specialized training related to education and learning. In fact, Learning Specialists often have experience working as special education teachers in the school system so they understand how to work with students with different learning needs and have developed alternative educational approaches to maximize academic success.
Learning Specialists have the ability to integrate information from psychoeducational and neurpsychological evaluations to help tailor support to the individual needs and personal learning styles of the student. Additionally, a Learning Specialist can help develop skills and strategies that specifically strengthen underlying areas of difficulty for the student that may be contributing to learning challenges. This not only helps the student to learn current material but also may help improve their overall ability to learn in general so that future material is mastered more easily.
Executive Functioning Support
Executive functioning is a general term used to describe a variety of skills, behaviors, and mental processes involved with the ability to understand, process, and utilize information effectively. More simply, executive functioning involves things like remembering assignments, paying attention in class, staying organized, and understanding how to break projects down into more manageable goals. ADHD is associated with neurological patterns that make many components of executive functioning more challenging. However, even individuals without ADHD can have certain difficulties with executive functioning.
The Learning Specialists and Psychologists at Chicago Mind Solutions are able to provide interventions and support for executive functioning. This can help students strengthen areas of weakness as well as develop compensatory strategies and skills. For example, this can include helping to find the best system for keeping track of deadlines, utilizing organizational strategies, and practicing daily habits that help with memory. Working with a professional can help students develop skills and practice implementing strategies that result in greater academic success.
How Chicago Mind Solutions Can Help
Chicago Mind Solutions offers neuropsychological and educational testing for students. We can also provide guidance for working with your school to meet the students’ individual academic needs. Additionally, Chicago Mind Solutions offers services to help students who may be struggling with academics and other factors that impact learning.
Call our clinic at (224) 723-5050 or e-mail info@chicagomindsolutions.com learn more about testing and other services to support students of all ages
