At Sacred Heart the teachers carry out the central guidelines and cater to all students on the island, also to those with special needs and abilities. To allow for all children to develop optimally, Special Ed and Remedial classes are offered, as well as guidance to students and teachers.
Student Care starts with general guidelines for interaction:
- Every student is treated with dignity, respect and appreciation of his/her individual contributions;
- Every student deserves and needs positive feedback/comments for a successful school experience;
- Teacher produces an intellectual, emotional, social, physical and religious environment that is conducive to self-motivated learning.
Furthermore, we offer student care services at school and classroom level.
1. School Level
1.1 The Special Ed/Remedial Department
The SHS has an integrated program for students with special needs and abilities. All information can be found in the SE/RT-curriculum: "Learning in Culture-based Activity". The program is conducted by a qualified SE/RT-teacher, in a special classroom setting with appropriate materials. Students can only be referred to this program if placement is indicated by: - homeroom teacher's report; - parents; - student care meetings; - K-TEA or K-ABC results (psycho-educational tests).
1.2 The Student Care Program
The staff discusses more challenging students on a monthly basis, according to the following procedure.
- Each teacher chooses a student that he/she is concerned about and fills out a confidential student care form (i.e. behavior, academic, home situation, etc.);
- The management team chooses 4 students to be discussed;
- The staff has a meeting concerning the student and positive strategies are suggested by the staff;The teacher implements the suggested strategies in the classroom;
- The staff reconvenes after a month for a follow-up discussion concerning any changes in the student;
- If the situation hasn't changed, the staff discusses more possible strategies or they recommend external professionals for assistance;
- New students are chosen and discussed.
1.3 Social Problems
If there appears to be physical abuse or neglect towards a student, the teacher follows these procedures:
- Discussion with the principal;
- Principal/Teacher contacts the parents for further details;
- Principal reports information to the island doctor and the social worker. If a student is coming to school without lunch on a continuous basis, the teacher follows these procedures:
- Report to the principal;
- Principal/Teacher speaks with parents;
- School gives food for the day and parents are responsible for payment.
1.4 K-TEA and K-ABC
The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement and Assessment Battery for Children are standardized programs that measure level of achievement (in grade equivalent and level of mastery) for Reading, Language and Mathematics as well as the learning style of the child. Test results are used to determine possible need for extra support in the Special Ed/Remedial program.
1.5 Protocol Unruly Behavior
The SHS has a protocol for situations in which students show unruly behavior. This protocol describes the behavior as well as positive actions for teachers, and consequences for students. The responsible teacher follows up on any incident and reports to the principal in writing.
2. Classroom Level
2.1 Academic Issues
If a student has academic difficulties in the classroom, the teacher or parent follows these steps:
- Discussion with the principal;
- Teacher fills out referral form;
- Principal asks permission from the parents for testing;
- The child is tested by the test administer with appropriate tests;
- Discussion with the Principal, parents, homeroom teacher and SE/RT teacher;
- Depending on the results, the student will either receive remedial attention in the resource room or special education in the resource room.
2.2 Behavior Issues
If a student shows difficult behavior in class, the teacher follows these procedures: - The teacher resolves it within the classroom with appropriate consequences; - If the student cannot act accordingly, he/she is discussed with the Special Ed/Remedial Teacher; - Alternative approach will be suggested at the student care meeting (6.2); - In case of very disruptive behavior the teacher can take the following actions, after discussion with the principal; - Speaks with the student and comes to an appropriate resolution (i.e. contract, owing time); - Speaks with the student and the parents and comes to an appropriate resolution (i.e. chores, in-school detention).
2.3 Student Tracking System
The purpose of a tracking system is to keep track of the development of each individual student; to measure educational success. We do that by applying several forms of assessment to a child-centered learning approach (see Quality Care).
3. Island Level
Recently the island offers the services of a Mediation Center. Mediation is a way to resolve conflicts. The mediator listens without taking sides and helps both parties to understand the underlying issues, consider creative workable options and reach mutual agreements.
The Mediation Center offers several types of mediation:
a. Family Mediation
b. Peer Mediation
c. Community Mediation
d. Victim Offender Mediation
Place: Community Mediation Center, Anglican Church, The Bottom
Telephone: 416-7972
Office hours: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm, and evenings and weekends by appointment
E-mail address: mediate1@hotmail.com
Student Care