Saints and Scholars evens academic playing field

March 17, 2009 • written by Matt Maxion

Having a learning difference may result in an automatic disconnection from other students; it may result in insecurity. And it may seem daunting to arise from these shortcomings. But there is one constant-they’re never alone.

The Saints and Scholars (SAS) program, a support program assisting students with learning differences for the past three years, provides a comfortable environment where these students can relate to one another. This, in turn, helps them succeed both academically and socially.
Andrea Brady-Panlilio, the coordinator, has provided compensatory strategies as well as emotional support for the admitted students, who wish to be left confidential for this story.

“Keeping with our mission statement,” Brady said, “we felt that it was our responsibility as a Catholic school to provide accommodations for these students.”

These strategies include setting weekly goals that would help them achieve their main goal especially in their most difficult class. Students are also provided the counseling center where they can take their tests privately with extra time if needed.

One of the biggest challenges students inevitably have to face is confronting their teachers about their difference and their necessary accommodations.

“It can be a little scary,” one student said, “especially as a freshman, to go up to a strict teacher after class to ask if you can have extra time and then have them say ‘Why?’”

In order to bring awareness to teachers about these learning differences, teachers watched an informational video created by MCTV teacher Paul Mckenna, SAS students, and parents on February 23.

The purpose of this video was to provide better insight for teachers in understanding what students’ special needs are and compensatory strategies they can carry out.

“This is a heads-up to what really happens at home,” Mckenna said. “Homework can take twice as long for them to finish as compared to other students.”

After watching to first SAS video directed to administration, teachers are more aware of the moral obligation to change their teaching patterns to accommodate their students.

“This video is a necessary reminder for teachers because even with the best of intentions,” English teacher David Prisk said, “teachers forget that there’s people not like them in the classroom.”

Not only do students need to face up to teachers about their differences, more importantly, students need to open up to their parents regarding this issue. Some students may even feel social detachment from their parents.

“I honestly think that sometimes they [parents] don’t quite understand what it is like to not be able to control my ADHD,” one student said. “And that is why it is great to have a mentor and know people who actually know what its like.”

Every student is given a mentor who has undergone the same process current SAS students are undergoing. The mentors provide what teachers and coordinators cannot-a student-to-student relationship-, which is similar to the Link Crew program where upperclassmen assist freshmen with their social needs.

“My mentor was always really helpful and would check up with me in the halls,” one student said. “I could really relate to her, and we had a bunch of inside jokes.”
After one year of admittance in Saints and Scholars, mentees have enough experience to become a mentor for incoming students.

“I’m a mentor now, and I try to help out my mentee as much as I can. We would have AIM conversations if my mentee needed to ask for help with something,” one student said. “I’m happy to help, since I went through the same thing last year.”

Saints and Scholars students have carried on the success intended for them. One student admitted that it used to take her twice as long to study for a test before admittance into Saints and Scholars, but now ” with all the tips and strategies offered, homework time was cut by a third.” According to Brady-Panlilio, SAS students all go to college.

No matter what a student with a learning disability may feel, Saints and Scholars assures them that they are not alone; they can feel comfortable that other students have similar experiences.

“There should be no shame attached to having a learning difference. We all learn our own way,” Brady-Panlilio said.

Filed Under News
Tagged:  

 Email This Story        Print This Story