In addition to Northwood’s outstanding general education program, we have a variety of other programs and services.
GATE
Each IUSD Elementary School provides cluster classes for GATE-identified students in 4th through 6th grades. Cluster classrooms include a small group of GATE program students within a mixed ability, general education classroom.
This model allows the classroom teacher to more effectively differentiate instruction, and provides interaction for GATE students with both their intellectual and age peers.
Teachers of gifted learners are provided with professional learning specific to meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted and advanced learners. GATE teachers assess each student's current knowledge and skill level and make adjustments to instruction and curriculum to meet individual needs. Students participating in GATE cluster groups receive differentiated instructional opportunities designed with elements of depth, complexity and content imperatives across the grade-level core curriculum. Differentiated instruction is provided within the school day and in the general education classroom through the use of flexible groupings, supplemental materials, and varied learning activities.
Education Specialist and Learning Center Program
This program is designed to assist children who demonstrate significant deficits in academic skills. A student can qualify for this program by demonstrating a specific learning disability or a significant discrepancy between ability and academic achievement. After a student is identified as qualifying for this program, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to assist the student to make reasonable academic gains utilizing his/her strengths and remediation of weaknesses. This program is designed and implemented by the education specialist in classrooms and in a one-on-one or small-group learning situation.
English as a Second Language
It is recommends that children learning English as a second language enroll in the IUSD Newcomer Program. Students are much more successful in English acquisition through this specialized district program. After students reach an intermediate level, they will return to their neighborhood school. Students who have been identified as English Learners receive additional support to assist them in reading, writing, listening, and speaking standards.
Speech and Language Pathologist
This program is designed to diagnose and provide therapy for students who demonstrate difficulty in speech, language development, and language-based skills. Students who qualify for this program have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) designed for them and receive individual or small group assistance as appropriate.
What if My Child Needs Extra Support?
At Northwood, we pride ourselves in working collaboratively with families. We encourage parents to discuss any concerns with their child’s teacher. Your child’s teacher will always be your best point of communication for anything academic or behavioral. Should your child need extra enrichment or extra supports, Northwood has a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team that gathers data to review student progress at least once a month. This team can discuss any concerns and look into any possible interventions available to your child. We strive to challenge and support every learner at school.
The MTSS team, consisting of administration, school psychologist, EL Coordinator, Intervention Lead Teachers, and other members, meet regularly to evaluate student data and determine what additional supports and strategies can be put in place to support and challenge all learners.
Additionally, the MTSS team can determine if extra interventions are necessary including Extended Learning (6-8 week interventions), Elementary Resource Counselor support, Guidance Assistant support, and more.