What to expect from the Sussex resource teacher:
The resource teacher is responsible for providing support to students at Sussex who require extra practice, review, or instruction to master concepts or skills in any subject area. The resource teacher works primarily with students who have been identified as eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The assistance provided by the resource teacher at Sussex varies according to the needs of the student, and/or according to the stated goals of the Service Plan Agreement that is updated for special education eligible students once each year in accordance with the regulations of IDEA.
In addition to one-on-one tutoring, small group sessions, and in-class assistance for students who need extra support, the resource teacher also provides support to teachers at Sussex by serving as a consultant on topics related to special education, specialized curricula, and teaching techniques. The resource teacher also assists in identifying students who might be eligible for special education services and acts as a liaison between the Missoula County Public Schools Special Education Services Office and Sussex School. The resource teacher is responsible for scheduling assessments and Service Plan meetings for special education students at Sussex and ensures proper completion of special education paperwork.
The resource teacher at Sussex is expected to assist the primary grade teachers with reading assessments and to provide reading instruction for any students who are identified to be in need of extra support in order for them to become successful and confident readers. Assistance and tutoring for early readers is not based on eligibility for special education services, but rather on teacher and/or parent requests for support, and upon subsequent approval from the administration of Sussex. Reading assessments conducted by the resource teacher include, but are not limited to, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.
Goals:
The resource teacher is responsible for helping students meet the goals enumerated in their Service Plan. When no Service Plan is in place, the resource teacher is responsible for providing the necessary instruction, practice, and review necessary for the student to meet the goals and benchmarks set by their parents and classroom teachers, and in some cases, by the students themselves. These goals are typically set by teachers, parents, the student, and the resource teacher during an initial conference. Progress toward the goals in the Service Plan or in a teacher/student/parent plan should be monitored, and adjustments to the length of the tutoring sessions and/or the instructional program or technique should be made if adequate progress is not being met.
Methods Used:
The resource teacher at Sussex uses a variety of methods to support student success. The choice of materials and techniques used by the resource teacher is determined by the particular needs of the individual student. For example, a fourth grade student who is reading significantly below grade level would probably receive intensive one-on-one tutoring after school at least twice a week for one hour, along with assistance and instruction during the school day. In contrast, a kindergarten student who has been identified as needing extra support to master letter sounds might receive 15 minute lessons three times a week to ensure optimal progress. Absent sufficient progress, the resource teacher would adjust the instructional time or the instructional methods so that the student could meet the benchmark goals set by his or her teacher.
The resource teacher at Sussex sometimes supports student success by conducting small group sessions during class time for students who need extra attention and instruction in order to make progress and meet their goals in a particular subject or skill. The small group sessions follow the general curriculum but allow for more direct instruction, practice, and review.