The Learning Support Team
The Learning Support team consists of English Language Learners (ELL) and Learning Disability (LD) specialists. In addition to teaching, each team member assumes responsibility as a Case Manager for a group of students. The case manager is responsible for ensuring the student is assessed, has a current IEP, and is timetabled appropriately. The Case Manager monitors the progress of his/her students. When you have a question or concern regarding a student, contact the Case Manager (email, voice mail, teacher mailbox or in person).

Learning Disability Specialists

• Ms. Reynard (Grade 8 caseload)
• Ms. Rietman (Grade 9 caseload)
• Mr. Tangeman (Grade 10 caseload)
• Ms. Sandhu (Grade 11 caseload)
• Ms. Riddoch (Grade 12 caseload)

Please contact the teachers above if you have any questions or concerns regarding students who receive learning support or who are struggling and may be in need of learning support.

Learning Support Classes
The LST supports students in three areas: SLD (Learning Disabled); English as a Second Language; Resource Room; and offers the following classes:

• Literacy: This is a remedial class for students in grade 8 who need extra support in the areas of reading and writing. This course focuses on basic reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills.
• Numeracy: This class is intended for grade 8 students struggling with math. This course focuses on basic numeracy skills.
• Resource Room Tutorials: This class is intended for students who are struggling in their classes and need assistance with homework and study skills.
• Peer Tutoring 10 ,11, 12

Common Questions
How does a student get support from the LST?
Students are placed in the Learning Support program through a referral system. Referral forms may be found in the filing cabinet in the staff room. Students may be referred by recommendation from a specialist teacher, a regular teacher, a counsellor, or an administrator. The student is then brought up for discussion by the Student Support Team. This team, chaired by Ms. Renyard meets every Wednesday at lunch in the conference room to discuss the needs of a student and propose the best placement.

I have a student who is having difficulty. Can this student have a Resource Room block?
LD students are given priority for placement in the Resource Room. Other students who are having difficulty are assessed and placed according to space. It is important that the integrity of the Resource Room remain high; therefore, the primary focus of the Resource Room is academic support. Although not every LD student has a resource room block, this policy ensures that service is available for LD students when needed.

I still feel this student should have a Resource Room block. What are the steps to take?
Collect some informal data to support your concern.
Talk to the student’s other teachers to see if your concerns are validated.
Refer the student to the Student Support team. This team meets weekly and is chaired by Ms. Renyard.
Attend the meeting so that you can provide details of learning issues.
The team will come up with a plan (file search, informal testing, perhaps a referral to the school psychologist).

What kind of help do the students in the resource Room receive?
LD students may need a quiet place to work, extra time to complete tests/assignments, a scribe, a reader, one-to-one teaching and assessment. Non LD students use the Resource Room block to learn study and test-taking skills, complete assignments, and receive assistance and support from the teacher.

How can I get information about a student?
Teachers are welcome to request files from the office.
The file will give valuable information about the students learning history.
Contact the case manager. (Email, Voice Mail, Teacher Mailbox or drop in.)
Contact a counsellor.

What can I do to help this student in my class?
If it is established that the student requires additional support, he/she may require their work to be adapted. The classroom teacher in consultation with the Case Manager is responsible for making the adaptations. These adaptations may include any of the following: fewer assignments; extended time to complete assignments; use of a computer or spell checker; books on tape; a simpler text; photocopied notes; oral exams, adapted tests and other adaptations at the discretion of teachers.

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English Language Learner Specialists
Ms. Sidhu
Ms. Chee (Ms. K. Sandhu replacing)
Ms Hampson

English Language Learner classes
A Surrey District language assessment is administered to all ESL students annually. The assessment includes reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing. A composite score places the student at one of the following levels:

• 450 - Beginner
• 460 - Intermediate
• 470 - Advanced

Following the assessment, an IEP is written for each student and a letter sent to the parent/guardian regarding the status of the student. All current IEP’s are kept in graded binders in 7HL. Teachers are welcome to peruse these binders or if you require information on a specific student, contact the case manager. Although it is acknowledged by JH ELL specialists that intermediate and advanced students would benefit from direct language instruction, at Johnston Heights, only 450's (beginners) receive direct ESL support. ESL classes offered are:

• ESL Reception
• ESL Beginner Level 1
• ESL Beginner Level 2 Junior
• ESL Beginner Level 2 Senior

Multicultural Workers
Surrey School District’s MC Workers communicate with the family of ELL students as well as supporting the student directly. Multicultural workers are available and eager to assist. Messages can be left at 604 543 3060 if you wish to contact a worker. The following is a schedule of their times at JH: