Resources for Struggling and Advanced Learners
The 2nd through 5th grade students in the Essential Learning Systems (ELS) Program at St. Michael School in Orland Park recently entered a creative writing contest. The students had to choose eight words from a current or past lesson that they mastered, and independently write a story using the words.
The ELS Program is a computer-based program, published by the Creative Institute, designed to help students with reading and language through flexible, individualized lessons that take a multi-sensory therapeutic approach. As children improve their reading skills, they become better writers, and the creative writing contest is just one example of how Sharon Grasso challenges the students. The ELS Program also affords students the time to get help with writing assignments from their regular classes.
The students worked for almost a week and a half writing, editing and typing their stories. ELS instructor, Sharon Grasso could only lend help with grammar. "This was a huge accomplishment and I am so proud of all my students and their hard work," gushed Grasso. The entries will be judged on creativity, originality and use of the lesson words. Winners will be announced in April.
The ELS Program focuses on reading issues, but it is only one of several programs in the Resource Program at St. Michael. People don't often think that a Catholic School has programs to help struggling or advanced learners, but that is exactly the purpose of the Resource Program. The Program began in 1998 and grows and evolves each year. There are three resource teachers who meet with students individually or in groups, daily or several times a week, depending on the help they need.
Students receive help in all areas, from math and science, to skills like test preparation and note taking to learning issues related to ADD or ADHD. The English Language Learners (ELL) Program helps students who live in a home where the primary language is not English or have come from a non-English speaking country. These students meet with resource teachers for extra help in mastering the English language. Mary Pat Vlaming meets with students who are advanced learners to further enhance their learning.
Mary Beth Eck, who founded the Resource Program at St. Michael, works with students, parents and teachers to make sure all the needs of students are met and that ultimately, the transition from junior high to high school is a smooth one. Students take literacy tests three times a year as kindergarteners and first graders so that a focus can be put on helping the struggling readers as early as possible. If needs arise later, Mrs. Eck is qualified to administer many diagnostic tests that can help determine special needs of a child. Mrs. Eck says, "The Resource Program relies greatly on input and cooperation from both parents and teachers alike to ensure that all St. Michael students have a successful classroom learning experience."
