Our goal at All Saints is to further develop a school-wide framework that supports all learners. Our program includes teacher training, the early identification of reading challenges, a multi-tiered system of support, and a team of professionals who work together to understand each child’s learning profile.
Early identification of reading and learning challenges and a targeted intervention program is key to developing a student’s areas for improvement. One step in building this program has been the administering of the CTOPP-2 (Comprehensive Test of Phonological Awareness) to all EC Elders and new students in grades 1 and 2. The CTOPP provides data that allows for the early identification of reading challenges.
Once students are identified, Linda Paul, Learning Support Teacher, and Linda Popp, Learning Specialist, will create an evidence-based learning plan for each child. Our learning support team will use the data from the CTOPP to work closely with the classroom teachers to capitalize on a child’s strengths and affinities to develop areas of weakness.
Students in our EC Younger Program and our preschool students have the opportunity for one-on-one screenings with Brittany Kalinowski, MS, CCC-SLP, a local Speech Pathologist from the Monterey Bay Social Language Center.
Significant speech and language developmental milestones are met during the preschool and kindergarten years, specifically in the areas of speech articulation and language comprehension. Language comprehension includes auditory-verbal memory, syntax and grammar, semantics (word meanings), and understanding social rules such as taking- turns and early nonverbal communication skills. Measuring phonological awareness skills during the preschool and kindergarten years is a way to screen for issues that may arise later when a child learns to read.
Elisa Pollard-Gensberg, an Occupational Therapist, partners with All Saints and parents to do classroom observations and one on one student screenings. Her advanced training and experience working with children with difficulties with self-regulation, poor executive functioning, and fine motor delays allows for her to identify areas of challenge for students and provide recommendation for strengthening those skills.
Brittany Struve Kalinowski, Elisa Pollard-Gensberg, and Linda Popp are all part of our plan to provide continuing education opportunities for both teachers and parents.