Exceptional Learner Resources

Catholic schools strive to be inclusive of all learners, and teachers and administrators are seeking strategies, best practices and resources to help serve the needs of exceptional learners in the classroom.

NCEA Talk Blogs

• Starting the School Year: 5 Tips for Re-engineering Your Classroom with Formative Assessment
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): What do Superintendents and School Leaders Need to Know About This New Law?
• Catholic Coalition for Special Education Helps Two Children with Down Syndrome Attend Catholic School
• The Mustard Seed Project: Inclusive Practices in Catholic Schools
• ESSA Overview: Getting the Most Out of the Every Student Succeeds Act
• Bridging the Gap: Faith Formation for Special Needs
• Problem Solving to Support Student Success in Catholic Schools
• Catholic School Inclusion: An Education Beyond the Textbook
• Special Education Programs K-12: Models and Possibilities for Special Needs Students
• Answering the Call to Inclusive Catholic Education
• An Inclusion Revolution: A Chicago School’s Journey
• A Message From Pam Bernards, Ed.D., Director of Professional Development
• Meeting the Needs of Students Who are Gifted in Catholic Schools
• Defining Assessment Literacy
• Using Formative Instructional Practices to Develop Instructional Agility
• Grace Student Services Program
• (No) Know Instructional Tools Make Teaching Better Technology
• One Spirit, One Body: An Agenda for Serving Students With Disabilities in Catholic Schools
• Come Together to Make Catholic Education Open to All
• English Learners in Catholic Schools
• The Ancient Child
• Maximizing MTSS Through Effective Instructional Practices
• Working Smarter
• Program for Inclusive Education
• Jesus’ Growth Mindset, and Ours
• Every Student Deserves to Learn Something New Every Day

 

Promotional Videos

FIRE Foundation - Lynn Hire

• https://youtu.be/ma_HYEE95Fo

St. Nicholas of Tolentine (K-8)

• http://www.lightswitch.com/vid/?v=44092

Our Lady of Lourdes (K-8)

• https://youtu.be/cgBKOas7mmM

Teaching Together Chicago - Persons with Disabilities as Interns Program
Featuring Cardinal Cupich

• https://youtu.be/8-cQl1Fyh54

Diocese of Grand Rapids Student Services Network
Featuring Superintendent Dave Faber and Bishop David Walkowiak

• https://youtu.be/HPSIwDoskQg

Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart (All Girl’s High School)

• https://youtu.be/tHngVjCJaHc

Notre Dame College Prep Burke Scholar Program (K-8)

• https://youtu.be/lh17lJsxYxI

Dr. Raul Escarpio - Shepherd Consulting

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7SIfWM35Z4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwFhc3c5mAI

Dr. Jim Rigg - Superintendent, Archdiocese of Chicago

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZV6OLo2Fu4&t=3s

Dr. Katy Lichon - Director of New Language Program, University of Notre Dame

• https://vimeo.com/216955211

Jodee Blanco - NY Times Bestselling Author

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-diZ5UkJPXU

Sue Gerenstein - Vice President of Professional Development and Lee Anne Housley, Vice President of Instructional Excellence, Catapult Learning

• https://vimeo.com/218216879

Dr. Christie Bonfiglio - Director of Program for Inclusive Education, University of Notre Dame

• https://vimeo.com/219056138

 

Growing Together: Best Practices for Catholic Schools

The focus of this Best Practices document is to provide a process for launching a Student Services Program in Catholic Schools. The process described can be implemented at the arch/diocesan or school level or adapted to meet the unique local school community needs.

• Serving Exceptional Learners in Catholic Schools
  • Talking Points for Catholic School Leaders: Serving Exceptional Learners in Catholic Schools
  • Exceptional Learners Needs Analysis: Survey for Principals
  • Peer Mentoring Program: St. James Academy
  • Peer Mentor 101: St. James Academy

 

Webinars

• October 5, 2016: Goodbye NCLB: Hello ESSA!
• December 14, 2016: Federal Education Programs and Benefits for Private School Students and Teachers
• January, 19, 2017: ESSA: Impact on Private Schools
• February 2, 2017: Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support for ELA and Math

 

Momentum Articles

• Rising to the Promise Found in Each Young Person: Serving Gifted Learners in Catholic Schools (Boazman, Summer 2018)
• Making the Transition: Morning Star Program Offers Young Adults with Special Needs "Real Life" Experiences (Caldwell, Summer 2017)
• Universal Screening as an Integral Part of Response to Intervention and Multi-tiered Systems of Support (Bernards, Spring 2017)
• Break Down the Walls for Special Needs Students (Schmidt, Winter 2017)
• Exceptional Learners: Not an Exact Science (Wedemeyer, Fall 2016)
• CARE: Children's Academic Resources for Education (Rosas, Rosas, Summer 2016)
• All Are Welcome: Building the Capacity of Catholic Schools to Serve the Needs of Students with Disabilities (Boyle, Spring 2016)

 

Parent Engagement Flyer

Essential flyer for parents to help them understand Education Savings Accounts (ESA) that have the potential to transform our educational landscape. Parents know their children’s strengths and needs better than anyone, and ESAs put parents in the driver’s seat when it comes to choice in education.

Flyer in English    Flyer en Español

 

Federal Program Series

• Maximize Federal Benefits Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - A Compilation of the Federal Program Series Flyers
• Federal Program Series: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - Title IV, Part B 21st Century Community Learning Centers (June 2018)
• Federal Program Series: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - Title IV, Part A 21st Century Schools (May 2018)
• Federal Program Series: Every Student Succeeds Act - Title IV, Part A 21st Century Schools (April 2018)
• Federal Program Series: Every Student Succeeds Act - Title IV, Part A 21st Century Schools (March 2018)
• Federal Program Series: ESSA Title III – Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students (February 2018)
• Federal Program Series: Every Student Succeeds Act Title II-A: Professional Development Activities to Support Effective Instruction (January 2018)
• Federal Program Series: Title I-Services for Students in Catholic Schools (December 2017)
• Federal Program Series: ESSA Consultation Provisions (November 2017)

 

Handbooks

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix Guidebook for Diversified Learners: Guidance for Support of Exceptional Learners in Catholic Schools

 

More Suggested Reading

• Catholic Schools in an Increasingly Hispanic Church: A Summary Report of Findings from the National Survey of Catholic Schools Serving Hispanic Families (Boston College)
• Hispanic Ministry in Catholic Parishes: A Summary Report of Findings from the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry (Boston College)
• 10 Things to Know About Hispanic Catholics (Hispanic Ministry Resource Center)

 

White Papers

English Learners White Paper – Encountering, Embracing and Educating: Answering Our Call to Serve Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students

The white paper provides a solid rationale for our Catholic schools in serving and supporting linguistically and culturally diverse students, a discussion around the potential challenges in executing this mission and a roadmap for future implementation and success.

Download White Paper

 

Exceptional Learners White Paper: One Spirit, One Body

This white paper provides a rationale for serving students with disabilities in Catholic schools by exploring the Church’s call for inclusion during the last 50 years. Additionally, a framework is presented that outlines a systematic approach to developing a comprehensive system of support for inclusion practices in Catholic schools.

Download White Paper

 

Additional Resources

A Prayer Service for Openness in the Coming School Year

As we prepare for the opening of the school year, we are filled with many emotions. Let us listen and reflect on a time when Jesus’ disciples watched as he was approached by a demanding parent, and experienced a surprising result.

Download Resource

Who Are Exceptional Learners in Catholic Schools?

Catholic education is rooted in the conviction that Jesus Christ provides the most comprehensive and compelling example of the realization of full human potential. From this emanates the belief that all students are exceptional in that they are made in the image and likeness of Christ and should have access to a Catholic school education.

Download Resource

Called to Inclusion Infographic

As Catholic educators we are called to inclusion. This timeline outlines inclusion efforts promoted by the Church over the past six decades and outlines for us a call to action.

Download Infographic

Autism Behaviors Infographic

The Whys and Whats for students who have difficulty with transitions or changes in routine, come across as rude or insensitive to others, or talk excessively about topics etc.

Download Infographic

Gifted Students Myths and Truths Infographic

Addressing and dispelling the myths that surround gifted education aids in the implementation of education programs and teaching practices that attend to the unique needs of gifted students.

Download Infographic