The St. Anthony School and Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

What are Specific Learning Disabilities, and how do they affect students?

A specific learning disability (SLD) is any disorder that impacts a student’s ability to read, write, spell, listen, think, or complete math calculations. Many common SLDs are dyslexia (difficulty in learning to read or interpret words and letters), dyscalculia (math reasoning/comprehension delay, dysgraphia (learning disability that affects handwriting, fine motor skills, or written expression),  or mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (difficulty processing, understanding, or creating speech). A student with a specific learning disability may struggle in the classroom due to the way information is presented, a lack of appropriate learning tools and accommodations, an inability to keep up with peers, and little one-on-one time with the instructor.

The St. Anthony School Approach to Specific Learning Disabilities

The St. Anthony School provides a specially designed program in order to support students with specific learning disabilities. Staff members at The St. Anthony School are trained professionals in working with students with SLDs, and they understand that a student’s emotional well-being must be in place before learning can occur. Each classroom was developed to encourage low sensory stimulation to foster a calm learning environment, and small class sizes allow for teachers to give individualized attention to each student. The St. Anthony School uses selective diagnostics to determine appropriate academic placement for each student on campus. When students are in a safe and appropriate academic environment, their potential for growth is unlimited.

Academic and Emotional Accommodations and Modifications

Students with specific learning disabilities at The St. Anthony School are offered many accommodations in order to create a learning environment tailored to their specific needs.  These accommodations are built into daily routines so as to not single out any one student. Students with a SLD are given an individualized lesson plan based on their ability, grade level, fluency, and stamina.  Students are encouraged to self-advocate when they need assistance or to take a break. Teachers at The St. Anthony School understand the symptoms of specific learning disabilities and are sensitive to the student’s needs. Shortened assignments, altered format of materials or assignments (i.e. extra spacing, use of word banks, or multiple choice etc.), and the use of educational tools (i.e. calculator, math reference chart, computer for typing, and audio books), are all accommodations given to students with specific learning disabilities at The St. Anthony School. 

Modifications alter the curriculum given to a student. A student with a specific learning disability may need an individualized curriculum for a specific subject. The St. Anthony School staff are trained to see the difference between an emotional disorder and a learning disability. A student with a specific learning disability may start with a modified curriculum until they are comfortable in the setting, then he or she will be placed in the appropriate academic class for his or her abilities.