The Learning Center at TCS

During instruction, our classroom teachers regularly and closely monitor student progress through curricular assessments and other progress monitoring tools such as the EasyCBM. Students are also screened three times a year using the Iowa Flex tests and the Iowa Classic formalized assessment. Teachers, the Learning Center staff, and the Director of Education review student performance. When students are identified as needing academic assistance, a plan is made for the student to be a part of small group instruction. This could be part of WIN time (What I Need) for our 6th through 8th graders, or in small groups in the Learning Center with the Learning Center staff. 

Small group instruction can include:

Reading Skills Development:

• Phonics and phonemic awareness
• Reading fluency
• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary, spelling and word work
• Reading strategies and critical thinking skills

Writing:

• Writing mechanics and grammar
• Using graphic organizers and planning writing
• Communicating ideas clearly

Math

• Building and strengthening foundational skills
• Practicing math facts for automaticity
• Reteaching of curricular concepts
• Enrichment as needed

Study Skills/Organization/Executive Functioning

IEPs, ISPs and 504 Plans

In the public school setting, for students identified as needing special education services requiring a 504 plan, or an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), the school is mandated to provide those services. Private schools do not fall under this same legislation. If a student in a private school requires special education services, they will receive what is called an ISP (Individual Service Plan) through the Local Education Agency (LEA).
In Trinity’s case the LEA is the Troy School District. The LEAs are required to set aside funding for students with disabilities whose parents choose to send them to private schools. Because this money is limited, students receive equitable services, which may be fewer than if the child were to attend public school. 

Trinity does its best to provide accommodations, modifications, and extra support for students with special needs. However, because we do not have the same spectrum of services as a public school, acceptance of students with IEPs and 504 plans will be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on what resources we are able to provide. This may include the possibility of conditional enrollment as we get to know the student. We want to make sure that each student will thrive in this environment. We will always put the best interests of the child at the forefront.