Helping the Struggling Learner
John Larson, M.Ed.
Director of Student Support Services
Nova Classical Academy
Student Services
• Collaborative Planning and Implementation of
Educational Programming
• Holding students to high standards but
providing the supports to help them be
successful
• Data-Driven Education/Evaluations
• We want all students to be here!
STUDENT SERVICES AT NOVA
• To create services and supports to help all
students at Nova Classical Academy
1. Special Education
2. 504
3. English Language
4. RTI
5. School Psychologist (Alyssa Martinson)
6. Parent Meetings
7. 1-1 student meetings
Services at Nova Classical Academy
1. Before School Homework Club (M-F, 7:30
a.m.)
2. After School Homework Club (Tues. and
Thurs. from 3:50-5:00 p.m.
3. Student Services meeting room (#323)
Supports from Nova
1. Homework Club
AM: M-F, 7:30-8:30 Computer Lab
PM: Tues/Thurs, 3:50-5:00 in Room #326
2. Teacher Tutoring Schedule: Please see
handout
3.Peer Tutoring: Please contact John Larson
Make Your Student
Aware of their needs
• Depends on age.
• Who to talk to when they have trouble?
• Embracing struggles and processing on the
next steps
Set Up A Homework Schedule
• This is a personal choice.
• Once time is determined, the schedule should
be adhered as close as possible.
• Research says it takes 21 days to form a habit.
• Majority will lose focus of schedule a before
Halloween.
Rank Order Assignments
• Many students spend a good chunk of their
homework time deciding what to do..
• Parents help prioritize and gradually pass on
to the students (depending on age).
• Put everything else aside
Do Not(Always) Sit Next To Your Child
• This creates “learned helplessness.”
• This same assistance may not be consistent to
what is available to them in the classroom.
• Act as a resource person for the student.
• Students should always return to their
individual work area.
Check the Correct Problems First
• Mention something they did well first to help
build confidence.
• Provide constructive support on problems that
are incorrect.
NEVER LET HOMEWORK DRAG ON!
• The only thing accomplished by allowing a
child to continue to struggle hour after hour is
an increased feeling of inadequacy.
• Contact the teacher, special education
teacher. (Have student initiate contact
depending on age).
Discuss Questions Before Beginning
• Discuss ahead of time so the students know
what they are looking for when reading.
• Verbal processing can help with
comprehension and building of knowledge
Check Small Groups of Problems
• Have your student complete 3-5 problems and
then they can check with you.
• This prevents a child from doing an entire
assignment incorrectly.
Be Aware of Negative Messages
• Many examples of body language, tension,
raised eyebrows, inattentiveness, verbal
frustrations can lead to increased struggles for
your student.
AVOID Finishing Assignments
for Your Child
• This is not doing the student any favors.
• Sometimes it may feel like a better solution
for you and your child. (Band Aid)
• Communicate with the teachers about any
specific issues.
• See Slide #6
Be Aware of Possible Learning Problems
• Look for patterns
• Contact Teacher, RTI Team, Principal or
Director of Student Services
Examples: Constant avoidance, forgetting to bring home
assignments, taking long hours to complete,
procrastination, low frustration tolerance, labored writing,
poor spelling, etc.
Triple P Communication Method
• Approach situations with staff positively and
proactively, and patiently.
• We will approach you positively and
proactively, and patiently.
• We want to see your students be successful!!!
• Build a positive, collaborative relationship that
focuses on doing what is best for the students.
QUESTION/ANSWER SESSION
• Rules: Please don’t identify any students
directly during questioning.
• Any individual concerns: Separate Meeting
• Please understand that I may need some time
to research your question.
Resources for Families
Nova Classical Academy Website
1. Academics
2. Student Services
Study Strategies/Tips Website
http://www.studygs.net/
Contact Information
John Larson, M.Ed.
Nova Classical Academy
Director of Student Services
651.209.6320, Ext. 306
jlarson@novaclassical.org