Program Goals
This unique initiative is designed to support students in grades 4 to 6 diagnosed with learning disabilities who are performing below current grade level expectations, academically. Recognizing that learning disabilities can present a complex range of challenges that vary significantly from one student to another, the SKILLs Program aims to provide a flexible and accommodating learning environment.
- Improve Academic Skills: Elevating students' proficiency in core subject areas.
- Develop Learning Strategies: Equipping students with effective strategies to manage and overcome their learning challenges. The ultimate aim is for students to reintegrate into regular programming, equipped with a stronger academic foundation and self-management strategies.
Benefits of Enrolling in the SKILLs Program
Students enrolled in the SKILLs Program can look forward to a wide range of benefits that extend well beyond the classroom, including:
- Improved Foundational Academic Skills: Enhanced reading, writing, and numeracy skills that contribute to overall academic growth.
- Effective Learning Strategies: Increased understanding of which strategies for retaining and organizing information, as well as executive functioning.
- Increased Independence: Development of academic skills through goal-setting, planning, and progress monitoring, fostering greater independence.
Program Delivery
To ensure the effectiveness of the program, the SKILLs Program utilizes:
- Visual aids, concrete examples, and engaging hands-on activities to facilitate learning.
- Smaller class sizes allow for targeted instruction addressing each student's needs.
- Opportunities for students to participate in other classes that align with their strengths, fostering a holistic educational experience.
- Community involvement, such as engaging in activities with seniors at Willow Square.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SKILLs Program, candidates must:
- Be enrolled in grades 4 to 8 within the FMPSD.
- Have a diagnosed learning disabilit(ies).
- Experience significant academic delays despite adequate attendance, intellectual, linguistic, sensory, and emotional development.
Adherence to the Alberta Curriculum
Consistent with all FMPSD programming, the SKILLs Program follows the Alberta Education curriculum. A pivotal aspect of the initiative is ensuring that students enrolled in the SKILLs Program receive the same high-quality education as their peers. This adherence guarantees that all skills and knowledge acquired are aligned with provincial standards, promoting consistency and excellence in education across the Division.
Location
The SKILLs Program is centrally located at Dr. K.A. Clark Elementary School, providing an accessible and welcoming environment for eligible students to thrive.
A Path Forward
The SKILLs Program represents the FMPSD’s commitment to inclusive education, offering specific and intense intervention for students with learning disabilities. By creating an environment where these students can flourish academically and personally, the SKILLs Program plays a crucial role in fulfilling FMPSD’s mission to provide excellence in education.