Student Academic Services (SAS) offers assistance to students who require an individualized approach to their academic and/or vocational program.   Most students have been referred for formal evaluation and found to have a need for an Individualized Educational Program in academic, social/emotional, or vocational areas.  Services are provided based on the student's level of performance and individual needs as determined by the Evaluation Plan.  More specific information regarding the area of Student Academic Services may be obtained by contacting the Department at Portsmouth High School (436-7100,
extension 2939).

Academic Study Centers

Students may work in small groups or one-to-one with a SAS staff member.  Emphasis is placed on students developing the necessary organizational and academic skills for success in all disciplines.  SAS staff uses Study Center time to apply the accommodations according to student’s Individual Educational Plan in all academic areas.  Students in Study Center classes have the opportunity to develop appropriate skills while completing course assignments.

Services that can take place in Study Center classes include: previewing content area material; reviewing for quizzes/tests; monitoring assignments which may involve vocabulary, grammar, worksheets, chapter guides and questions; editing written assignments; reading assigned novels/literature with discussion for clarification; outlining chapters; reviewing and expanding upon notes; drilling for reinforcement and mastery; completing (w/assistance) assigned classroom work; using library for resources and research purposes; and supporting other activities as requested by content area teachers.

A weekly contact system with content area teachers has been established so that Study Center teachers are aware of current course requirements and students' academic performance.  Parent/teacher contact is also encouraged when appropriate.  All contact, written and/or informal, is important for assisting students to achieve success in their classes and supporting the mainstream teachers.

Supports For Learning/Developmental Program

Supports for learning is designed for adolescents, ages 14-21 that require an individual approach to their academic and/or vocational program.  Each student’s program is individually designed to meet his/her needs by providing education on a continuum ranging from full inclusion to self-contained.  The team consists of parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, specialists, area agencies, peer tutors, and the Portsmouth community.

The goals of Supports for Learning are: to provide the student with the least restrictive learning environment; to create opportunities and build skills to reach each student’s maximum potential in the following curriculum areas: academics, experiential learning, communication, social skills, and community; to assist in a gradual transition from the school to the community with the involvement of family and outside agencies; to create a positive culture that offers a safe environment, which enhances desire to learn; to develop inclusive relationships among peers, staff and community.  The following related services are available to the students as designated in their IEP:  occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy; adaptive physical education; community involvement; peer tutoring and counseling.

The Options Program

Students who meet the criteria of the referral process may receive a wide range of therapeutic and academic services from the Options Program staff.  Students with emotional and behavioral difficulties are provided a positive, supported learning environment within the mainstream school setting.  These services allow students to continue in the least restrictive placement. 

The Options Program offers multiple services to support classroom teachers working with difficult or challenging students and/or students with unique learning styles.

Speech And Language

The Speech/Language Pathologist is available to provide services to students with communication disorders and/or language/learning disabilities.  A variety of options are offered, including the following:  assistance with understanding and using the language of the curriculum; consultation to staff regarding strategies and modifications to benefit the student with language needs; managing alternative means of communication for students with limited speaking abilities; implementing assistive technology to enable students with physical and cognitive challenges to maximize their oral and written communication abilities; teaching strategies to control disfluent speech (stuttering); treating voice disorders (upon referral by a physician).  Services are provided on a 1:1 basis, in a small group, by classroom interventions and/or through consultation as deemed appropriate for each student.