Flowchart for Identifying and Helping Struggling Students in the Classroom (Victor Foster)
Observation
Process I would like to follow in identifying and helping struggling students As an ESL teacher, I especially need to be aware of difficulties students may be struggling with. Signs such as inability to respond to simple questions may be due to language, or it may be due to a deeper underlying problem. The first step is to be observant and keep an up-to-date learner profile.
Teacher notices student is unable to complete assignments on time; constantly forgetting to bring necessary class materials. Teacher notices hearing or visual impairment aids
Parent expresses concern about child's health problems that may impede his/her learning
Based on the results of the health check at time of enrollment, some accommodations may be recommended or assistance provided.
The parent takes the student to the local city hall or hospital to have his abilities checked.
Try to communicate with the parents to learn more about the student's characteristics
By telling the parents about the students troubles in class, realization that it may actually be a learning disability. The parent takes the student to the local city hall or hospital to have his abilities checked
Only for students with severe learning disabilities, there is a special program in our prefecture called the FRIEND program.
This requires official certified diagnosis. Without it, the students cannot apply for special needs dual enrollment program at this school.
Communicate with their junior high school teachers to learn more about their history
Once the condition is confirmed by testing, then they will get a certificate to provide to the school officially acknowledging their disabilities
No official referral process for special education services
Some accommodations may be made for the student
Assistive technology such as hearing aids, priority seating, adjusted test or assignment format
Once the condition is confirmed by testing, then they will get a certificate to provide to the school officially acknowledging their disabilities.
No official referral process for special education services
Some accommodations may be made for the student
Assistive technology such as hearing aids, priority seating, adjusted test or assignment format
Only 3 students applications for dual enrollment accepted for FRIEND program
Receive instruction in general classrooms 4 days a week, with some specialized classes. One day a week, instruction takes place at the special needs school.
Other special accomodations
Elevator installation
Wheelchair ramp construction
When I notice a student struggling, I want to be quick in communicating this to Japanese teachers, in particular their homeroom teachers who have a quasi-parental role
Communication and collaboration are key. I need to ascertain whether it is a language related struggle or an intellectual disability. In the event of a physical disability, I want to make the necessary accommodations to provide equity for all ELLs.
Accommodations may include test format adjustments, use of hearing devices, use of visual aids, specialized prints, adjusted assignments, adjusted pace of instruction