Unique Applications for Unique Strengths
Welcome to Educational Support
At MIS, the Educational Support Division (ESD) places a strong emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration and communication in order to recognize and treat behavioral, emotional, and/or academic difficulties. If parents anticipate difficulties or have knowledge that could help a teacher understand why a kid might be having difficulties, we encourage them to let ESD and their child’s instructors know. In response, educators collaborate with ESD to put solutions into place that benefit kids who are having behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties.
Support Services
MAP
Masters Accommodation Plan: most students supported by ESD have a MAP that informs instructors of their needs and challenges, so our team can use the most effective strategies for accommodating pupils in the regular classroom.
ILP
Individual Learning Plan: for students with diagnosed learning, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities who require modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify content is made by teachers and parents together and may affect eligibility for a High School diploma.
Inclusion Support
An additional support person in the classroom to help with academics, focusing, or behavior. This provides support for both the student and the teacher.
RISE
A classroom designed to accommodate students with the most special needs. Through instruction and support, our staff helps students become more independent. The curriculum is tailored to each person’s preferences, interests, and strengths; students include those with autism, Down syndrome, mild learning disabilities, and other conditions.
Student Success Team
When a student is not making progress, teachers or parents can request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting. Teachers, parents, students (when appropriate), and an ESD staff member, principal, or counselor meet to analyze the problem and commit to specific actions.
Parent Partnership
Open, ongoing communication between families and our ESD team so support is consistent at home and at school — the foundation that makes every other service work.
How a referral works
In the event that a student is not seen to be making progress, teachers or parents can request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting. Here teachers, parents, and students (whenever appropriate) meet with an Educational Support staff member, principal, or counselor to analyze the problem and commit to specific actions to help the student.
A MAP is for students who have been identified through a medical and/or educational assessment as needing accommodations in the school setting. The specific accommodations provided will depend on the student’s diagnosis and specific challenges.
An ILP is for students who require modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify classroom content is a decision made by both teachers and parents and may impact the student’s ability to receive a High School diploma.
Pastoral Care
[Pastoral Care section — Counselling and mental-health support description awaiting school input]
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We understand you may have questions beyond this — if you don’t find your answer here please email us.
If my child has a 504 or IEP (Individual Education Plan) from our home country, will this transfer?
Yes, we do accept 504’s and IEPs from outside schools. In order to help the application process go smoothly we require a copy of the current 504 or IEP, past educational testing as well as school reports/report cards to be included in the application. Acceptance is based on available educational support personnel.
Our child has struggled academically but they haven’t been tested. What should we do?
Depending on the severity of the challenges, we have some informal tests that we can provide here at MIS that could give us some information on where the student is functioning. If informal tests show the student just needs a little extra help catching up then our Educational Support Division can work with the student and/or teacher to give them some tools to help. If the tests show that the students’ needs are more significant, then formal educational testing may be required.
How do students receive a MAP (Masters Accommodation Plan) or ILP if they are currently enrolled at MIS?
A MAP is for students who have been identified through a medical and/or educational assessment as needing accommodations in the school setting. The specific accommodations provided will depend on the student’s diagnosis and specific challenges. An ILP is for students who require modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify classroom content is a decision made by both teachers and parents and may impact the student’s ability to receive a High School diploma.
What should I do if my student is struggling emotionally at school?
Talk to teachers first and get their input. If teachers concur, then next steps would be to try and brainstorm possible causes and some possible solutions that could help in the classroom, at home, or if necessary find outside help — e.g. a counselor. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teacher, principal, and counseling staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
What should I do if my student is struggling academically at school?
Talk to the teacher first and try to brainstorm possible causes and possible solutions together. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teachers, principal, and educational support staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
Resources for parents
A few resources you can check out: