RFS' Learning Support Program (LSP) is the first and only inclusive education program in Palestine. Our aim is to care for each child’s specific needs, these include educational, physical, behavioral, emotional and social needs. It has proven tremendously successful since its adoption in 1995. Stemming from our full determination and belief to provide opportunities of success and achievement for children with challenges in our school, we continue to develop this program. To support the program, a resource room was established at the Lower and Upper School, and over the years with joint efforts from teachers and contributions from parents, we were able to develop a wide variety of multi-sensory educational resources.
The entire RFS community is responsible for the progress of all students. The Learning Support Staff and faculty collaborate to ensure all students’ needs are met and given a chance to succeed in all aspects of RFS life. We support students with needs by using a variety of strategies, including:
- In-class support
- One-to-one support where the learning support team works with students in developing basic skills in literacy and different kinds of skills.
- Partnership support—where the learning support team works in collaboration with all teachers, counselors and school administration to address students' needs.
- Adaptation and modifications to the curriculum.
- Special assessment arrangements.
- Continuous advice and guidance to parents and teachers.
Early detection and intervention is essential in promoting learning for young children. We work closely with the pre-school team in identifying and assessing student needs from the time students begin at RFS.
* LSP Services:
The school provides educational services and support for students with diverse educational needs, based on their individual evaluation and diagnosis. These are provided by the school and by external specialists. Educational and behavioral goals and strategies for students' progress are recorded and reviewed regularly in an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Most students receiving Learning Support services fall into the category of learning difficulties. However, the school is continually opening opportunities for students with identified needs ranging from physical and sensory difficulties to specific syndromes.
If there is to be successful inclusion of students with identified needs, adequate support in the classroom both for the students and the teachers must be ensured. Learning support assistants in the classrooms work in partnership with the teacher to assist the students in achieving a successful educational experience.
We seek to improve the quality of education and to provide opportunities of “success for all”, creating a positive school environment that respects and values differences. Despite finite resources, we are determined—with our strong belief in the values and principles of inclusion—to continuously develop our program. Our students are a source of inspiration to our school community. Together we will help develop communities that value all people and promote equal opportunity.
* FAQs:
1. When did LSP start?
LSP started at the Lower School in 1995 with only one full-time teacher. It now extends to the Upper School with seven full time teachers in total.
2. What is the school's guiding principle regarding LSP?
We welcome and value all children equally no matter what their special need or difficulty is. We are committed to providing equal access for all children and believe that everyone is entitled to an education.
3. Who implements the program?
The learning Support team consists of a program coordinator at each campus with three full-time and one part time teacher in the Lower School, two full time teachers at the upper school and a group of individual teacher assistants as needed.
4. How many students are being supported by LSP and what are their challenges?
On both campuses, almost 100 students are currently supported by LSP. They include among others, children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), Specific Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Speech and Language Difficulties Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down's Syndrome, Autism, and Williams Syndrome.
5. Are there any admission restraints?
All children have the right to apply, however admission depends on the availability of vacancies and on the school's staff capacity and physical accessibility in addressing the child's needs.
6. What are the elements of implementation?
Screening and evaluation, Individual Educational Plan (IEP) depending on the student need development, regular parent involvement, implementation within the regular classroom setting, regular IEP reviews, student assessment based on IEP objectives, and working in close collaboration with specialists to offer targeted interventions through therapies and consider these services essential within a balanced program for students who require this kind of intervention.
7. How is the program supported?
LSP is supported by the school's budget, donations and parent contributions.
8. What are the educational resources available?
Resources rooms include a variety of learning materials and aids (visual, auditory, tactile/kinesthetic), software programs and books in Arabic and English Language.
