SAIL Program

McNicholas is proud to offer the SAIL Program (Support and Accommodations for Identified Learners), which addresses the needs of identified students, helping them cope with learning in the high school environment. Each student learns differently and there are those students who have such a unique way of learning that they need special assistance. This assistance helps these students to stay on track so that their efforts will more clearly reflect their ability.

What is an identified learner?
An identified learner is someone who, through testing and evaluation by a school psychologist, has discovered one or more distinct challenges that interfere with learning. Some common challenges are dyslexia, verbal processing disorder, written language disorder, and dysgraphia. At times, there are several challenges that occur all at once, or that cannot be categorized so specifically. The SAIL Program uses a variety of strategies to minimize the difficulties that are identified in students.

Admission Requirements
In order for a student to be admitted to the SAIL Program, there is an application process and the student must meet the following criteria:

1. The student must be evaluated by a psychologist for a discrepancy between aptitude and achievement, with the learning problem identified if possible. This evaluation must have been completed within the last three years
2. As a part of the above evaluation the student must demonstrate a full range aptitude of at least an average I.Q.
3. The student must be recommended for admission to the program, by either his/her previous school or by the psychologist who tested the student.

Parents interested in the SAIL Program for the 2012-2013 school year should download and print an Application for Admission to the SAIL Program. The application, fee and all required forms are due November 11, 2011.   An interdisciplinary team of McNicholas counselors, administrators, and LD specialists will evaluate the student’s records. It will be determined if the optimum learning environment for the student is within our fully mainstreamed curriculum with tutorial support.

Tutorial Time and Costs
The SAIL Program size is limited. Class size will not exceed 3 students per bell. Each student will meet the tutor for five periods per week for thirty-six weeks for a total of 180 periods or 150 hours. Currently, the added cost for the SAIL Program for the 2011-2012 school year is $1800. (Subject to change.) A non-refundable $50 deposit is required before the application will be reviewed. (This fee is waved for current McNicholas students applying to the program.)

Role of the Tutor

The LD specialist is the tutor and case manager for each student. The tutor acts as a liaison to the rest of the professional staff and is the student’s advocate.  The tutor drafts a Service Plan in the fall, which outlines the student’s accommodations and goals for the year. The recommended accommodations are communicated to each of the student’s teachers.  The tutor organizes at least one in-service for all teachers and staff per school year. This in-service instructs teachers about learning disabilities and give them new classroom strategies. The tutor will be in weekly contact with the classroom teachers and parents.

Role of the Parent
Parents are encouraged to understand that their child’s learning style is unique, and that parental involvement is critical in helping their child cope in the high school setting. Frequent communication with the tutor and classroom teachers is critical for all SAIL participants. Conferences are requested by the parent or tutor when needed.

Graduation Requirements
McNicholas requires 24 credits for graduation as outlined in the Course Directory. These requirements will be reduced by one elective credit for every year a student is enrolled in the SAIL Program.
Students enrolled in the SAIL Program will meet the graduation requirements of the State of Ohio, including the passing of the Ohio Graduation Test in all five subject areas.

Department Goals
The tutorial program will:

• Encourage communication between teachers, parents, and students
• Better enable students to assume responsibility for their own learning
• Teach study skills so that students will successfully navigate course material presented in mainstream classes.
  

Student Contract for Membership in the SAIL Program
Students in the SAIL Program are expected to abide by the principles described in the Student Contract.