Portals

Quicklinks

Main Header Container

Breadcrumb

Helping Students Excel

The purpose of the Learning Services Program is to support students with diagnosed learning differences achieve success at Porter-Gaud. The Learning Services Program provides a continuum of support to students in first through twelfth grades. With the support of academic coaching and educational accommodations, our Learning Services students realize their full potential and continue on their path to become lifelong learners.

Students in the program follow the academic curriculum and requirements of Porter-Gaud School. A Formal Education Plan is created to meet the needs of each student. This plan may not fundamentally alter the nature of the academic curriculum.

  • Students are considered for eligibility in the program following a formal psycho-educational evaluation and diagnosis based on DSM-V criteria.
  • It is required that this process be completed with a licensed clinical psychologist, neurologist or a certified school psychologist.
  • The evaluation provided must be current, within the last five years.

Accommodations and services are provided for students with a documented diagnosis using the DSM-V criteria. Accommodations are determined on a case by case basis and are based on recommendations included in the psycho-educational evaluation on file with the Learning Services Program. This is the same documentation that is required by the College Board for standardized testing accommodations. Porter-Gaud cannot provide educational accommodations without proper documentation.

The following are examples of approved accommodations implemented at Porter-Gaud, when deemed appropriate:

  • Extended Time on Quizzes, Tests and Exams
  • Preferential Seating
  • Computer Use
  • Assistance with Note-Taking

The following services are provided for each student in the Learning Services Program:

  • Annual review of Formal Education Plan
  • Communication with classroom teachers regarding individual student’s accommodations, as outlined in the Formal Education Plan
  • Collaboration with classroom teachers throughout the school year to support student progress
  • Small-group academic coaching during the school day
  • Coordination of Extended Time Accommodations on quizzes, tests and exams throughout the school year
  • Coordination of Extended Time Accommodations on standardized testing (ERB, OLSAT, PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP Exams)
  • Communication with parents
  • Referral for outside tutoring as necessary
  • Support to students during times of transition
Learning Services
 

DENISE JIMINEZ
Middle School
(843)402-4839
djimenez@portergaud.edu

BESS BLUESTEIN
Upper School
(843)402-4804
bbluestein@portergaud.edu

DENISE LAWSON
Lower School
(843)402-4731
dlawson@portergaud.edu