Learning Assistance Program
Meadows Learning Assistance Program
The Meadows Learning Assistance Program (LAP) has a strong collaborative model. Our LAP team and Special Education teachers work and plan with the psychologist, speech therapist, physical/occupational therapists, counselor and administration to provide the best possible educational program for all students. Regular meetings of this support team ensure ongoing communication and problem-solving opportunities. The goal of this team is to enhance the educational program to promote success for all students.
Program focus
The Learning Assistance Program helps struggling readers reach grade level competency. Program support is focused on the primary grades. Educational research indicates that early intervention is the most effective approach to help struggling readers achieve life-long reading success. Students receive instruction in a small group setting, which allows for more individualized attention. In an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect, this program coordinates its efforts with other district resources to maximize student learning. Our Learning Assistance Program strives to have every student reach grade level competency in reading by the end of 3rd grade.
How are students selected?
In grades K-5, learning support staff assist with screening all incoming students with reading and math assessments. Classroom teachers are asked to evaluate their students' in-class performance. The testing results and teacher evaluations are used to identify students who are in need of assistance in reading and/or math. These students are then given extra support in reading and/or math to help improve their skills.
How is progress evaluated?
Each student's progress is evaluated once to twice per month. The results of this evaluation are shared with classroom teachers. Parents receive updates on their student's progress during parent/teacher conferences, with report cards, or by request. When a student's performance reaches at or above grade level, the LAP teacher and classroom teacher work together to determine if the student meets criteria to exit the Learning Assistance Program.
LAP Contacts at Meadows
Teacher
Sarah Steinman
ssteinman@nthurston.k12.wa.us
Paraeducators
Tonya Forthman
tforthman@nthurston.k12.wa.us
Desiree Kelley
dkelley@nthurston.k12.wa.us
What is LAP?
Our Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is a state-funded program that provides instruction for students supplemental to the regular education program. Students are given extra support in reading and/or math to accelerate their learning. Educational goals are determined for each student and are evaluated frequently through formal and informal assessments. Students are instructed in small groups and progress is monitored on a frequent basis, with family notification of progress throughout the year. Families are strongly encouraged to become involved in their child’s education, both in and out of school.
Do you need more information?
- Tammy Alonzo, talonzo@nthurston.k12.wa.us, Program Administrator, 360-412-4400 x40240
- Teresa Price, tprice@nthurston.k12.wa.us, Office Professional, 360-412-4462
Teacher Qualification
Teacher Qualification Notice
In an effort to keep parents informed about the qualifications of a teacher, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) allows parents to inquire at school whether a teacher has met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject taught. Families may request information about whether a teacher is under emergency or conditional certificate when state qualifications were waived, information about teacher undergraduate or graduate degrees, including graduate certificates, additional degrees, and major/area of concentration.
NTPS conducts annual audits of teacher assignments to assure that teachers are assigned to teach in areas where they meet Washington State certification/endorsement requirements. Sometimes, but very rarely, NTPS seeks a waiver to certification. When this does occur, it is typically for a teacher a few credits short of completion which they are actively working to complete. There are currently no teachers in our Title I schools providing student instruction under a state wavier.
Families can also inquire about paraprofessionals working with their child in reading, writing, or math. NTPS can provide confirmation that students receive help from a paraprofessional, their state qualifications/licensing requirements. All paraprofessionals that assist children in reading, writing, or math meet state qualifications.
Citizen Complaint Procedures
The complaint procedure is described fully in Chapter 392-168 WAC, Special Service Programs–Citizen Complain Procedure for Categorical Federal Programs. A citizen complaint is a written statement that alleges a violation of a federal rule, law, or regulation or state regulation that applies to a federal program.
- Anyone can file a citizen complaint.
- There is no special form.
- There is no need to know the law that governs a federal program to file a complaint.
Follow steps 1 and 2 to complete the citizen complaint process.
- File a Citizen Complaint with North Thurston Public Schools. Follow the process outlined in Policy 4312 and Procedure 4312P in NTPS policy governance.
- If you are unable to reach a satisfactory solution, file a Citizen Complaint through OSPI.