Saint Clare Learning Specialist Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the program, and who does it serve?

Ideally, the Learning Specialist Program (LSP) serves everyone in the school community by promoting awareness of diverse learning needs and the wealth of individual talents we have at Saint Clare. More specifically, the learning specialist will ultimately offer services for five groups at Saint Clare: 1) assessment and accommodation for students who may have learning differences 2) enriched experiences for students looking for an enhanced curriculum 3) extensive support for classroom teachers 4) support around learning issues for school parents and 5) school-wide awareness programs for all students promoting diversity and enhancing learning.

What are the specific goals for the first year of the program?

During the first year/s of the program, the half-time Learning Specialist will focus on these five goals:

· Protocol: Establishing school-wide processes and procedures

· Early Identification and Assessment: Focusing on the primary grades, with a comprehensive assessment program, kindergarten visits, and 1^st and 2^nd grade reading intervention groups; private assessment.

· Accommodation: Supporting students with ILPs, and their parents and teachers.

· Community education: Sponsoring parent education and school-wide awareness programs.

· Enrichment: Supporting programs that augment the classroom experience

How were the initial goals of the program generated?

Increasingly, Catholic schools are moving toward a vision that embraces the diverse populations we find in our parishes, including diverse learning profiles. In recognition of this justice issue, Saint Clare’s long-term School Improvement Plan called for the creation of this program. After a learning specialist was hired, the initial priorities of the program were generated by surveying the parent community, the faculty and the administration.

Will the Learning Specialist offer tutoring to my student?

Unfortunately, a half-time learning specialist could only offer a few minutes a week to every student who would benefit from so little extra help. Instead, the Learning Specialist will lead two small reading intervention groups in the primary grades, provide testing for referred students, and help parents and teachers. While she will not offer one-on-one tutoring services, she can help find qualified tutors and suggest reasonable strategies for outside tutors.

If I suspect my student needs help, how do I refer him or her to this new program?

If you have any concerns about your child’s learning, his or her classroom teacher is the best person to speak with. Please talk to him or her about any concerns and, together, plan a course of action.

Who is the Learning Specialist?

Colleen O’Mahony, MA, MSpEd, is a Saint Clare parishioner and mother of two. Before moving to Portland, Colleen worked in the Archdiocese of San Francisco as a Learning Specialist and Special Needs Assessor. She is a Fulbright Scholar, and has earned degrees from Stanford University, the University of British Columbia and Notre Dame de Namur University, including a Master's degree in Special Education. Last year, Colleen provided assessment and in-services for Catholic schools in the Portland Metropolitan area, including Saint Clare. Mrs. O'Mahony was also on staff at Thomas A. Edison High School in Beaverton on the campus of Jesuit High School, and continues to consult there.