Eck, Mrs. Mary Beth (Resource)

I am Mrs. Mary Beth Eck, and I started the current resource program here at St. Michael School in 1998.  The position is constantly evolving.  I have a B.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University, and a M.S. in Learning Disabilities from the University of Illinois, Chicago.  I started teaching in the Archdiocese at St. Odilo in Berwyn in 1976. I was spurred to get my Masters degree by my concern for children in my classroom who were obviously very intelligent, but were struggling to learn to read.

I am here as a resource for parents. 

I am the case manager for children who have already gone through testing, and have paperwork requiring accommodations to succeed in the classroom.  I meet with these parents and consult with them on the phone on a regular basis.  I help other parents decide if testing may be a tool to help their child succeed.  I assist 8th grade parents of students who have paperwork, in making the transition to high school.

I am here as a resource for students grades K-8. 

I work with children in the classroom or on a pull-out basis to help them succeed in the classroom and/or remediate gaps.  My main focus is working with students needing help in Reading, Language Arts and Math, but I also work with some of the upper grades in Science and Social Studies.  I administer the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy) to each kindergartener and 1st grader individually three times a year.  This helps the teachers and me focus on those who are at risk for learning to read, and we work to improve their skills.  I also give other diagnostic tests to individual students whose parents have consulted with Mrs. Cuttone, the teachers, and myself, or at the request of teachers to explore the student's strengths and weaknesses.

I started the ELS (Essential Learning System) program in 1999.  I have been thoroughly trained in this program, and help Mrs. Grasso run the program.  I do much of the testing for the program to decide if a child is eligible, and to test their progress.  I also meet with parents of enrolled students.

In the last few years, we have had a number of English Language Learners attend St. Michael School.  I work with them, along with Mrs. Vlaming, Mrs. Grasso, and the clasroom teachers, to improve their English language skills, and help them succeed in the classroom.

I am currently working on being fully certified as a Wilson Language Instructor.  The Wilson Language Reading Program helps those children who are dyslexic learn to read.

I am here as a resource to the teachers. 

The teachers need to provide the accommodations to the students within the classroom so that they succeed in learning.  I help the teachers differentiate their teaching to reach all learners.  I lead the Intervention Team of administrators and teachers who meet to discuss students on an individual basis.  We formulate plans of action to assist students who are struggling to achieve  success in the classroom.  I am the liason with District #135, other schools, and the Office of Inclusive Education at the Archdiocese of Chicago  Currently the State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago are embracing  the Right to Intervention initiative, and I am working with the teachers to explore different options available.

If you have any questions about the above information or have concerns about your child, please call me at my direct number at school,  708-873-4648, or email me Mrs. Mary Beth Eck with any questions.

You can check my "Quick Links" for websites that offer information to teachers and parents on various learning issues.

Different Minds Learn Differently - Dr. Mel Levine