Learning Support
Middle School
Learning Support in Middle School
The Learning Support Program seeks to help all students reach their maximum potential, and all students are welcome to receive help from the program. Specific hands-on support available to students includes assistance with study techniques and time management skills, developing stronger reading comprehension, extending memory skills, and organization. Our Learning Skills Classes are open to students in Middle School in need of additional academic support. Outcomes in these classes are yearlong and mastery is dependent on the level of executive functioning of each student throughout the course. Most students remain in Learning Skills for all four years of Middle School, although some students can matriculate out of the class and introduce a World Language to their schedule.
The Middle School Learning Specialists oversee the academic needs of students and provide help for teachers as they work with students. Students who require adjusted study and/or organizational techniques may be referred to the Middle School Learning Specialists.
Additionally, if a learning difference is present, complete documentation must be provided with reasonable accommodations determined at the discretion of the School. Classroom accommodations are provided only after the development of a written Educational Accommodation Plan (EAP) provided to the teachers and parents by the Director of Learning Support. Please contact the Head of Middle School or the Director of Learning Support if you have any questions regarding Learning Support or would like further information.
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ADHD and Inattention
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a biological condition that can cause attention issues, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It often occurs with learning issues (understood.org).
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Auditory Processing
Auditory Processing is a condition that makes it hard to process what the ear hears, such as recognizing subtle differences in the sounds that make up words. Kids with Auditory Processing Disorder may find it hard to locate where a sound is coming from or to understand what someone is saying, especially in noisy environments. An Auditory Processing Disorder can also impact skills like spelling and reading (understood.org).
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Learning Differences
A learning difference is a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
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Math
Dyscalculia or Specific Learning Disability in Math both refer to a type of disorder that significantly impacts a person’s ability to learn and perform in math. Some people with dyscalculia have no trouble memorizing basic math facts. It’s performing calculations and solving problems that cause trouble. Others struggle with calculation and basic math operations like multiplication and division, but they can grasp the big concepts and easily understand how a problem can be solved (understood.org).
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Nonverbal Learning Differences
Nonverbal Learning Difference (NVD or NVLD) is a disorder that is usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial and social skills.
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Planning, Organization, Time Management (Executive Function)
Executive Function is the self-management system of the brain. It allows us to organize and plan, focus and shift focus, and manage emotions, among other important tasks. Executive functioning issues can make everyday tasks difficult for kids. They may have trouble with things like planning and organization. And the signs can look different at different ages (understood.org).
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Reading and Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a brain-based condition. It causes difficulty with reading, spelling, writing and sometimes speaking. In people with dyslexia, the brain has trouble recognizing or processing certain types of information. This can include matching letter sounds and symbols (such as the letter b making the buh sound) and blending them together to make words. Some people with dyslexia don’t have trouble sounding out or “decoding” words. But they may struggle to understand what they read. It can be very hard for people with dyslexia to read in a way that’s automatic, or seemingly without effort (understood.org).
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Speech and Language
Speech is what goes into making the sounds of spoken language. There are four elements that make up speech: articulation, phonology, voice and fluency. Language is how we put those words together to communicate. It’s also how we understand the words other people put together. Language involves vocabulary—being able to find the right words and know what they mean—and knowing the rules for using words in sentences (understood.org).Online Resources -
Written Expression
Both dysgraphia and disorder of written expression describe challenges related to writing. Many people use the terms interchangeably. Dysgraphia is a condition that causes trouble with written expression. The term comes from the Greek words dys (“impaired”) and graphia (“making letter forms by hand”). Dysgraphia is a brain-based issue. For many children with dysgraphia, just holding a pencil and organizing letters on a line is difficult. Their handwriting tends to be messy. Many struggle with spelling and putting thoughts on paper. These and other writing tasks—like putting ideas into language that is organized, stored and then retrieved from memory—may all add to struggles with written expression (understood.org).Articles
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Learning Difference?
A: Children with learning differences are as capable as their peers. But they may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, reasoning, recalling and/or organizing information if left to figure things out by themselves or if taught in conventional ways.
Parents can help children with learning differences achieve success by encouraging their strengths, knowing their weaknesses, understanding the educational system, working with professionals and learning about strategies for dealing with specific difficulties.
Q: How do I begin the process to gather a formal assessment of learning for my daughter?A: The first step in this process is to share your concerns with your child’s teacher. Faculty and Learning Support staff can then assess the situation through observations, data collection, feedback, and small scale normative testing. Interventions may be put in place to address your child’s situation.
If the School determines that there is a need for more information, a neuropsychological assessment may be recommended, and the Director of Learning Support can provide referrals and additional information. This testing will identify your daughter’s learning profile, areas of strength and challenge, and may identify a learning need. It can take a few months to complete, depending on the evaluator’s schedule.
Q: What are the ways that Hockaday can provide for my child’s learning difference?A: If your daughter has a diagnosed learning difference, Hockaday will provide support and accommodations based upon the recommendations in the neuropsychological assessment. Accommodations vary and are unique to each child and each diagnosis. For example, some students benefit from extended time for testing or the use of technology to support their reading and writing, while others benefit from frequent breaks or proximity to the teacher. These accommodations are intended to address your daughter’s learning needs, potentially bridging the gap between her performance and potential.
Parents will meet with the Director of Learning Support to agree upon an Educational Accommodation Plan (EAP). This plan is a legal document that identifies the ways in which your daughter will be supported in the classroom.
Q: Will my daughter's learning difference impact her ability to participate in the Hockaday program?
A: Hockaday recognizes that learning differences exist in a range of students who possess unique and diverse abilities. The process of implementing accommodations is normalized and routine, and a culture of acceptance and understanding is intentionally developed throughout the School. -
Requirements for Educational Evaluations
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The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.