Learning Support

The Learning Support Department partners with students, families, and faculty to foster a learning environment that balances academic rigor with equitable access to curriculum.

Through consultation, collaboration and intervention, the Learning Support Department acts as a resource to promote students’ independence and self-advocacy while ensuring students receive support in alignment with their level of need. To accomplish this, a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is used to proactively identify and address learning concerns.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Tier 1: Universal Supports

Weekly Student/Advisor 1:1 and small group meetings
Math Learning Center/PRIMES
- The Math Learning Center is staffed by Math department faculty and peer tutors; it offers support at various times throughout the week
- PRIMES offers both adult and peer tutors who are available in-person or virtually
Writing Center/Humaniteam
- The Writing Center is staffed by English department faculty and provides a dedicated space to further develop writing skills
- The Humaniteam is a group of peer tutors who provide humanities related support
Language Tutors
- Peer tutors who support students in every language offered at Emma
Evening Support
- Study Hall: Monday through Thursday, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
- Content specific support with evening affiliates

Tier 2: Targeted Supports

Tier 3: Individualized Support

Emma Willard does not have a special education program. There are no separate courses of study for students with disabilities or learning differences. Our supports are more aligned with RTI (Response to Intervention) and AIS (Academic Intervention Services) models which are designed to address skill building. We encourage parents who think their child’s needs align most closely with our Tier 2 or Tier 3 supports to reach out during the admissions process to discuss their concerns with the Learning Support Department.

Learning Plans
- Learning Plans are developed to minimize the impact of a diagnosed disability on a student’s school performance and, to the extent possible, provide equal access to the curriculum. Accommodations provided on a school-based learning plan affect how a student accesses instruction or assessment but do not fundamentally alter or modify the essential nature of a course, curriculum, or graduation requirements.
- Eligibility for accommodations is determined on a case-by-case basis after a thorough documentation review by the Learning Support Department. Emma Willard follows nationally recognized documentation guidelines. Documentation should be from a licensed, certified, or otherwise properly credentialed professional and include:
  - Information regarding diagnosis
  - Description of functional limitations of disability
  - Description of how the disability substantially limits one or more life activities
- Generally accepted forms of documentation include, but are not limited to: psycho-educational, neuropsychological, psychosocial and/or medical evaluations. Documentation should be from an updated evaluation that has taken place within three years of the accommodation request. Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans are helpful and may also be used as part of your supporting documentation, but may not be sufficient on their own. Documentation from mental health and/or medical providers should be typed on letterhead, signed, dated, and include the information requested above.

Standardized Testing Accommodations

Emma Willard adheres to the documentation guidelines of College Board and ACT. These organizations expect that students have a documented history of receiving the specific accommodations they are applying for. Applying for accommodations on College Board (PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject, AP) and ACT tests is a separate process from school-based accommodations. Eligibility for and use of accommodations at Emma Willard does not guarantee accommodations from standardized testing organizations.
Students and families are responsible for applying for accommodations and registering for these tests by the deadlines posted by each organization. The Director of Learning Support can assist with the required documents and steps once notified by a student/family.