Learning Program

The Learning Program is part of the student's regular schedule, and students enrolled in the program fully participate in the Woodlands' curriculum.  Students meet in the LP Center two-three times weekly with a Learning Specialist for a total of 160-220 minutes per week. Students are not removed from classes for their LP periods and are typically scheduled to attend LP during a free period.

The Learning Program is staffed by faculty who are learning specialist teachers.  The LP department is overseen by the Director of Student Services and the Principal. 

LP specialists collaborate and consult with teachers and advisors to facilitate understanding student needs and maximize student success.  Collaboration and communication occur regularly, with LP teachers having access to information for all classes.  For each student in the program, classroom teachers report progress on assignments every week. The LP teachers incorporate classroom information to help students plan and organize tasks while also teaching time management, study skills, and organization.

An evaluation indicating a diagnosed disability is necessary for consideration of program eligibility. Additionally, students may have IEPs or 504 plans from their previous schools, which will be considered to help determine if a student would benefit from participation in the Learning Program.  The Learning Program is a fee-based service.  Questions regarding costs should be directed to Gretchen Radde at gradde@woodlandsacademy.org.

LP teachers customarily meet on a one-to-one basis during students' scheduled LP periods.

The LP Center is a welcoming space!  It consists of separate offices for individual meetings and a large multi-purpose room for small group gatherings, test-taking, collaborating on projects, or socializing. The LP area is a popular place for students to come during breaks to relax and visit together.

If a student is enrolled in the Learning Program, a meeting is held with parents before classes start to discuss a Student Support Plan (similar to an IEP).  Goals and accommodations are created for the year.  Parents and students are sent weekly updates on progress, and these weekly messages also include plans for approaching upcoming projects and tests.  Parents also receive semester comments from LP teachers.  Additionally, parents and LP teachers meet during conferences and annual reviews. 

Though each student has a unique Student Support Plan addressing academic areas of need (such as reading comprehension, math fluency, or written expression), most students in the Learning Program also need assistance with executive functioning skills. Common executive functioning areas of focus include time management, self-regulation, and organizational skills. 

Each student's level of need for support is unique and ever-changing. We strive to help students move towards greater self-determination and independence.   Some students require enrollment in the Learning Period for a limited time, then move to a step-down semester and graduate from LP.  Others will need to continue until graduation.  Parent input is an essential factor in determining the need to continue.  Each semester, decisions are made for continuing enrollment or moving towards graduation from LP.

Students leaving the LP program continue to be eligible to receive testing accommodations.  Once they no longer require a Student Support Plan, an accommodations plan is drafted and shared with parents and students.  Faculty are made aware of the accommodations students are eligible to receive.  When requested by students, accommodations plans are shared with colleges.