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MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT : BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE !
most important parts of the job is helping students realize they can learn to do the things they ’ re currently struggling with . She said , “ In order to provide academic support , we help students cultivate their own growth mindset by helping students embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow . Instead of hearing phrases like I can ’ t do it , you will hear students say , I can ’ t do this …. YET ! One of the most rewarding parts of this role is to have students say to me , I finally got it !”
As students move into middle school , academic intervention looks very similar , but begins to add more focus on personal accountability . The academic interventionists begin working with students on executive functioning skills such as studying and test taking skills , time management , and organization . They also serve as the buildings ’ NWEA MAP coordinators for each building , analyzing student data to determine building statistics in growth , areas of achievement , and areas of need . Analyzing data is critical for determining what skills to work on with their intervention students . “ Overall , the students we work with tend to have better grades and show improvement in their MAP and PSSA scores ,” said Abaigeal Nelson , the Academic Interventionist at J . S . Wilson Middle School .
When students reach the high school level they begin to look ahead toward graduation . There are many more options and freedom to choose a variety of paths in students ’ schedules at this level . Academic Interventionists at the high schools need to be familiar with all the curricula students in grades 9 and 10 , then 11 and 12 are learning . They continue to focus on strengthening executive functioning skills , adding in new ones like utilizing email accounts and how to communicate with their teachers and administrators . High school students receiving intervention begin working on self-advocacy and have options to receive support after school in addition to the during school programs . MIHS ’ s Academic Interventionist Kellee Beresik said , “ At MIHS , we offer a peer tutoring program and remediation programs prior to Keystone Exams during tutorial . After school there is Math Tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Bonus Study Hall on Wednesdays .”
Academic Interventionists provide resources at every level for parents to get involved and continue to help elevate their students at home . These resources include flashcards , study techniques , organizational checklists and other grade level appropriate materials . All MTSD Academic Interventionists use and analyze data , working closely with students and their teachers to ensure the greatest opportunity for student success . Academic intervention
is meant to meet the needs of each student the Academic Interventionists work with . Because of this , it can be a very fluid workflow . Mingarelle said that ’ s what keeps her excited about her work , “ As learning needs of students change , this position will continue to evolve . This is my 30th year in education and it is as invigorating as it was when I was a first year classroom teacher because I myself embrace the concept of lifelong learning and continue to find ways to help ensure student achievement and success .”
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MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
MILLCREEK ❘ SPRING 2024 37