Unique Applications for Unique Strengths
Welcome to Educational Support
At MIS, the Educational Support (ES) team places a strong emphasis on parent-teacher collaboration and communication in order to recognize and treat behavioral, emotional, and/or academic difficulties. If parents anticipate difficulties or have knowledge that could help a teacher understand why a kid might be having difficulties, we encourage them to let ES and their child’s instructors know. In response, educators collaborate with ES to put solutions into place that benefit kids who are having behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties.
Support Services
Student Success Team
When a student is not making progress, teachers or parents can request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting. Teachers, parents, students (when appropriate), and an ES staff member, principal, or counselor meet to analyze the problem and commit to specific actions.
ESP
Educational Support Plan: most students supported by ES have a support plan created with parent and teacher input that informs instructors of their needs, so our team can use the most effective strategies for accommodating pupils in the mainstream classroom.
ILP
Individual Learning Plan: for students with diagnosed learning, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities who require accommodations and/or modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify content is made by teachers and parents together and may affect eligibility for a High School diploma.
Inclusion Support
An additional support person in the classroom to help with academics, focusing, or behavior. This provides support for both the student and the teacher.
Parent Partnership
Open, ongoing communication between families and our ES team so support is consistent at home and at school — the foundation that makes every other service work.
How a referral works
In the event that a student is not seen to be making progress, teachers or parents can request a Student Success Team (SST) meeting. Here teachers, parents, and students (whenever appropriate) meet with an Educational Support staff member, principal, or counselor to analyze the problem and commit to specific actions to help the student.
An ESP (Educational Support Plan) is created with parent and teacher input for most students supported by ES. It informs instructors of their needs so our team can use the most effective strategies for accommodating pupils in the mainstream classroom.
An ILP (Individual Learning Plan) is for students with diagnosed learning, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities who require accommodations and/or modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify content is made by teachers and parents together and may affect eligibility for a High School diploma.
Pastoral Care
MIS has a social-emotional counselor on staff for students who need additional support beyond their academics. The school counselor will touch base with each student at least once per semester, and will also talk with students as needed when they reach out to her. Watch this space for more information soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We understand you may have questions beyond this — if you don’t find your answer here please email us.
If my child has a 504 or IEP (Individual Education Plan) from our home country, will this transfer?
Yes, we do accept 504’s and IEPs from outside schools. In order to help the application process go smoothly we require a copy of the current 504 or IEP, past educational testing as well as school reports/report cards to be included in the application. Acceptance is based on available educational support personnel.
Our child has struggled academically but they haven’t been tested. What should we do?
Depending on the severity of the challenges, we have some informal tests that we can provide here at MIS that could give us some information on where the student is functioning. If informal tests show the student just needs a little extra help catching up then our Educational Support team can work with the student and/or teacher to give them some tools to help. If the tests show that the students’ needs are more significant, then formal educational testing may be required.
How do students receive an ESP (Educational Support Plan) or ILP if they are currently enrolled at MIS?
An ESP (Educational Support Plan) is created with parent and teacher input for most students supported by ES. It informs instructors of their needs so our team can use the most effective strategies for accommodating pupils in the mainstream classroom. An ILP (Individual Learning Plan) is for students with diagnosed learning, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities who require accommodations and/or modifications to classroom standards. The decision to modify content is made by teachers and parents together and may affect eligibility for a High School diploma.
What should I do if my student is struggling emotionally at school?
Talk to teachers first and get their input. If teachers concur, then next steps would be to try and brainstorm possible causes and some possible solutions that could help in the classroom, at home, or if necessary find outside help. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teacher, principal, and counseling staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
What should I do if my student is struggling academically at school?
Talk to the teacher first and try to brainstorm possible causes and possible solutions together. If the struggles continue then the parent or teacher can initiate a more formal meeting with teachers, principal, and educational support staff to document the concerns, specific struggles, and possible action steps.
Resources for parents
A few resources you can check out: