Cooperative & Academic Support
Offering Support Programs for Students with Learning Differences for Over 30 Years
Cooperative Support Program
Father Ryan High School's Cooperative Support Program (CSP) is designed to offer additional help and focus for students with learning differences.
Our primary goal is to facilitate a student's efforts to become more independent in processing information and developing self-reliant learning proficiencies - fundamental skills for a student's success.
The program includes:
- State Certified Learning Disabilities Specialists
- Three Learning Specialists and a Senior Licensed Psychological Examiner
- Dedicated teachers who work one-on-one to provide assistance and specialized tutoring.
The Cooperative Support Program begins in the summer before a student's first year at Father Ryan with a Study Skills course. This course is required for all students accepted into the program.
During the school year, students in the Cooperative Support Program meet with one of our learning specialists each day during a dedicated 45-minute block of time. Students continue to work on the study skills learned during the summer and receive individualized help with assignments. In addition, this time is used to check in regarding any problems with homework, and the learning specialist makes sure that adequate progress and planning is happening for long-term assignments.
The learning specialists are not tutors and do not specialize in any specific subject; therefore, it may be necessary to meet with classroom teachers or outside tutors for subject specific assistance. Helping students become self-sufficient, responsible, life-long learners is a crucial objective.
Academic Support Program
The Academic Support Program is a parallel program providing supports that are complementary to classroom instruction and that help build organization skills, study skills, and confidence so students in the program can be successful at Father Ryan.
This program provides a learning specialist who works with the student, parents, and teachers to facilitate and monitor academic progress. After the initial introduction between the learning specialist and the student, it is the student's responsibility to seek assistance as needed. This may include taking tests outside of the classroom or with extended time, assistance on homework, and help with long-term projects.
The learning specialists are not tutors and do not specialize in any specific subject; therefore, it may be necessary to meet with classroom teachers or outside tutors for subject specific assistance.
The primary difference between the two programs is the level of assistance. Cooperative Support students receive daily assistance while Academic Support students receive weekly or bi-weekly assistance, as needed.
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Goals of the Cooperative and Academic Support Programs
The intention of these programs is to create an environment that unites parent and faculty involvement, in cooperation with the student, and to address and meet the student's learning and emotional needs.
The programs focus on developing self-discipline and necessary skills to overcome academic challenges, such as organizational skills and time management.
As part of this program, students will be known and loved in an atmosphere that fosters independence and growth. In accordance with the Father Ryan tradition, students are encouraged to pursue their academic goals and are given the opportunity to succeed beyond the intellect.
Cooperative and Academic Support Staff
