Academics
Academic Adjustments & Support
In keeping with Jesuit values on education and cura personalis, Walsh Jesuit High School provides an inclusive environment for all learners and equitable access to our curriculum and programming. Walsh Jesuit is committed to providing support to qualified students with disabilities or diagnosed learning differences, including temporary conditions. However, some adjustments may not be applicable due to personnel and/or program limitations.
Academic Adjustments and Support Information
Incoming and Transfer Students
To be eligible for an Academic Adjustment Plan at Walsh Jesuit High School, students with specific learning differences must be evaluated and diagnosed PRIOR to acceptance. The first step is the completion of the Academic Adjustment Plan Request Google Form
The documentation provided within the form should include:⇒ A current evaluation report (see sample below) or letter by a medical professional (within 3 years) which includes the following information (see sample below):
- States the specific impairment as diagnosed
- Describes presenting problems and developmental history, including relevant educational and medical history
- Describes substantial limitations (adverse effects on learning or other major life activities) resulting from the impairment, as supported by test results
- Describes how the recommended accommodations address the substantial limitation and alleviate the impact of the disability when taking a timed standardized test
- Establishes the professional credentials of the evaluator, including information about licensure or certification, education, and area of specialization
- Includes comprehensive assessments (neuropsychological or psychoeducational evaluations) with evaluation dates used to arrive at the diagnosis
⇒ A current copy (current school year) of the student’s IEP, 504 Plan, ISP or other academic service/accommodation plan
Once documentation is provided, our Director of Academic Support will conduct a thorough examination in addition to dialogue with the student and their support team to create an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP) to match the individual needs for the student.
Sample Letter |
Sample Report |
In the classroom, teachers will implement and abide by adjustments determined by the review process. Teachers may provide additional adjustments on a case-by-case basis; however, they are not expected or required to provide adjustments beyond those identified in the review process.
Current Students
Walsh Jesuit’s Academic Support Department oversees our various academic support resources in addition to our Student Assistance Team (SAT), which is made up of administrators, school counselors, intervention specialist, Director of Academic Support, and Director of School Counseling and Wellness, which meets every month to identify students who are struggling both academically and social/emotionally. SAT works together to create an individualized action plan for those students to address their specific needs. Our Academic Support Process is divided into 3 tiers:
If a student receives a diagnosis from a medical professional which is impacting their academic success, parents should reach out to the school counselor and Rachel Vidd (Director of Academic Support) with the information. The student will still be required to go through the academic support process in addition to meeting with Mrs. Vidd so data can be collected, and proper support can be trialed to determine if an Academic Adjustment Plan is needed.
- Tier 1 – support provided to ALL students in the form of classroom strategies, math lab, writing lab, ARC, peer tutoring
- Tier 2 – support provided to a smaller group of students who need more targeted support in certain areas as well as required attendance to one of the labs or ARC
- Tier 3 – more frequent, targeted, direct instruction with individual students who need support in certain areas, in addition to required attendance in one of the labs or ARC
Students move through the process once they are identified by the SAT team (one cycle is every 4.5 weeks – coincides with progress report and report card publication). Student progress is monitored, and determination of next steps are discussed at the end of each cycle.
If a student receives a diagnosis from a medical professional which is impacting their academic success, parents should reach out to the school counselor and Rachel Vidd (Director of Academic Support) with the information. The student will still be required to go through the academic support process in addition to meeting with Mrs. Vidd so data can be collected, and proper support can be trialed to determine if an Academic Adjustment Plan is needed.
Walsh Jesuit Academic Support Team
A team designed to help support teachers and students with the development and execution of strategies and resources to maximize academic success in the classroom setting.
⇒ Director of Academic Support (licensed intervention specialist)
⇒ School Counselors
⇒ Wellness Division
⇒ Academic Resource Center (licensed intervention specialist)
⇒ Director of Academic Support (licensed intervention specialist)
⇒ School Counselors
⇒ Wellness Division
⇒ Academic Resource Center (licensed intervention specialist)
- Adult tutors (content specific)
- Peer Tutoring Program
- Math lab staff
- Writing lab staff
⇒ Freshmen Counseling Small Groups
⇒ Freshmen Achievement Seminar course
⇒ Sophomore Achievement Seminar course
⇒ Fundamentals of Algebra course
Medication & Treatment
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Medication
The school nurse must be notified if a student is taking medication on a regular basis. Any misuse or distribution of prescription medication will subject a student to immediate dismissal from Walsh Jesuit. -
In-Patient Treatment
Walsh Jesuit cooperates fully with professional treatment personnel to provide support to a student returning to school after in-patient treatment. To facilitate a smooth transition back to the school setting, the following must take place before the student returns:- The parent/guardian/student must sign a release of information waiver for information pertinent to the student’s ability to function in the school setting.
- The professional who has worked with the student must contact the school nurse.
- The parent/guardian and returning student must meet with an administrator and counselor to work out details regarding the student’s return to school. In some circumstances a determination may be made that a student should begin a new educational program, and when this is the case, Walsh Jesuit will assist in this transition.
Beyond WJ
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Requisite for Seeking Adjustments for ACT / College Board:
Students seeking adjustments for ACT or College Board standardized testing (AP, PSAT, SAT and Subject Exams) should contact Walsh Jesuit's Learning Specialist. Specific guidelines and procedures for each company are also available on their websites. -
Private Evaluations
Additional costs associated with a private professional or external evaluation, including related services to such evaluations, are not covered by Walsh Jesuit's Academic Support resources.
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