Student Supports and Accommodations

At Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences, we provide Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) instead of IEPs to accommodate and support learners with diverse educational needs. Our ISPs are designed to offer personalized academic and developmental support while aligning with our classical and career-focused educational model.

    1. Pre-Assessment:

      • Each student undergoes a comprehensive pre-assessment to determine their current academic level, strengths, and areas requiring support.

        Assessments may include diagnostic tools, skill evaluations, and teacher observations.

    2. Customized ISP Development:

      • Based on the pre-assessment, an ISP is created in collaboration with parents, educators, and any relevant specialists.

      • The ISP outlines academic goals, support strategies, accommodations, and progress monitoring methods tailored to the student’s needs.

    3. Ongoing Support & Adjustments:

      • Regular check-ins ensure that students receive adaptive instruction and necessary modifications for their learning success.

      • Adjustments are made as needed to support academic progress, skill development, and personal growth.

    4. Post-Assessment & Progress Evaluation:

      • A post-assessment is conducted periodically to measure growth, identify ongoing needs, and determine next steps for the student.

      • Progress reports are shared with parents/guardians, and updates to the ISP are made accordingly.

    • Purpose: To provide ongoing academic, social, and emotional support for students and their families.

    • Format: Discussions on student progress, ISP updates, parent education on learning strategies, and Q&A sessions.

    • Frequency: Every two months (bi-monthly)

    • Participants: Parents, educators, and support staff

    1. Alternate Formats

      Students who require different learning modalities may receive materials in the following formats:

      • Digital versions of textbooks and assignments for screen readers

      • Audio recordings of lessons and reading materials

      • Large-print or Braille resources for visually impaired students

      • Hands-on learning materials for kinesthetic learners

      • Graphic organizers and visual aids for students who benefit from structured visual learning

      2. Modified Assignments

      To ensure that assignments align with a student’s strengths while maintaining academic rigor, modifications may include:

      • Adjusted length or complexity of written tasks

      • Alternative presentation styles (oral reports, recorded videos, or illustrated responses)

      • Guided outlines or scaffolding to assist with writing tasks

      • Chunking assignments into smaller, manageable sections with progressive deadlines

      3. Test Extensions & Alternative Assessments

      To support students in demonstrating their knowledge effectively, we provide:

      • Extended time on tests and quizzes

      • Breaks during testing to accommodate attention or health-related needs

      • Alternative assessment methods (project-based, oral exams, or portfolio reviews)

      • Reduced-distraction testing environments for students who need quiet spaces

      Implementation Through “The Compass Connection”

      These accommodations are reviewed during The Compass Connection (bi-monthly support meetings), ensuring parents and educators collaborate to monitor student progress and make necessary adjustments.