Learning Support

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work in both classrooms and small groups to build  listening, comprehension, speaking, and writing skills. Every class has a dedicated SLP who integrates language support across subjects. They are not a pull-out service. They are part of the team.

Assistive Technology, including text-to-speech and other tools,  supports students’ language, reading, and writing development. Assistive technology specialists evaluate, train, and teach students to implement these tools in the classroom. The technology gives the students access to content at or above their grade level, which may be higher than their decoding level. Support  for written expression gives students greater  freedom to express their ideas,  along with tools for identifying and correcting their own errors. 

Text-to-Speech (TTS)

Designed for students who have challenges with decoding, we provide electronic materials so that all students can use text-to-speech software to access the curriculum as needed. We primarily use the Read & Write tools for Google, which can be individualized for voice types, speed of reading, and font preferences. Additional tools include a built-in dictionary, word prediction, an extensive phonetic spell checker, homophone checker, and study skills tools. All Howard School students have access to these tools at no additional cost.

Voice Recognition (Speech-to-Text)

For students with grapho-motor, processing, or extreme spelling challenges, voice recognition frees students up to get their thoughts into written form and unlocks their knowledge. 

Electronic Materials

Every worksheet, textbook, or supplemental text is provided in both paper and electronic format to allow seamless access to curricular materials for our students who require text-to-speech software. Students who qualify based on assessment are given access to Bookshare and Learning Ally. For our younger students, we have a subscription to Bookflix, which is an online literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks with text-to-speech support in human voices.

Note Taking

Beginning in eighth grade, students who are challenged with taking written notes are provided a note-taking support tool, Glean, which helps capture audio, text, and slides in one place. 

The math specialists consult with teachers to plan their math classes, offering recommendations on content differentiation and pacing. They also  teach small groups directly. 

The school psychologist/counselor consults with students, faculty/staff, administration, and parents to track and support students’ educational and social-emotional needs. They collaborate with faculty and staff to support and facilitate classroom and small-group activities, and to develop and implement schoolwide assessment processes. 

They review learning profiles and maintain a broad perspective on interventions, accommodations, and modifications for students. They do not provide individual or family therapy, but can refer families to community resources for those services. 

Our Occupational Therapist (OT) provides screenings, tools, and consultative services to support student learning and regulation.