School Life
Academics

Program Overview

At Armstrong, we unlock the unique potential of students with dyslexia and related learning differences, changing the trajectory of their lives.

Armstrong students receive direct and explicit instruction that best supports their individual learning needs in the following areas:

List of 4 items.

  • Acquiring the academic strategies and skills necessary to reach their academic potential

  • Developing self-confidence in their ability to achieve success

  • Understanding their learning differences and social-emotional needs so they can become effective self-advocates

  • Pursuing multiple areas of interest and developing passions and talents

Our Approach

List of 5 items.

  • Small Group Instruction

    • Students receive small group instruction every day in literacy and math for an hour in each subject.
    • We have dedicated and expert small-group instructors who specialize in literacy and math instruction (in addition to homeroom teachers).
    • All teachers are trained in a variety of approaches including:
        • Literacy - Wilson, Fundations, Read 180
        • Math - Math-U-See, Math 180, Multisensory Math
  • Highly Trained Faculty and Staff

    • All teachers, staff, and administrators are trained in the Wilson Reading System which centers all adults on campus in delivering our mission to serve students with dyslexia.
    • To ensure faculty members are experts in teaching students with dyslexia, we provide ongoing support through:
        • Instructional Coaching
        • Consistent classroom observations
        • New teacher training
        • Armstrong Summer Institute
        • Weekly on-campus professional development on early release Wednesdays
        • Access to outside conferences and training
  • Data-Informed Instruction

    • We use a variety of assessments to place students in developmentally appropriate learning groups and continuously track their progress to adapt daily instruction. Students are also placed into mixed groups for non-core subject areas.
    • Assessments include:
        • Track My Progress - Literacy and Math (4x/year)
        • Oral Reading Fluency (3x/year)
        • Word Identification and Spelling Test
        • Wilson Assessment of Decoding and Encoding
        • Content-based assessments and progress monitoring (ongoing)
  • Multisensory Methodology and Learning Environment

    • We create a learning environment that meets the wide variety of our students’ needs both academically and emotionally.
    • We employ multiple approaches, strategies, and physical tools to ensure that students feel comfortable and their learning is optimized including:
        • Flexible seating including wiggly chairs, soft seating, standing desks, etc.
        • Access to tactile objects to increase attention
        • Incorporating movement into all lesson plans
  • Technology Integration

    • We utilize technology as an assistive tool that optimizes student learning and fosters autonomy and independence including:
        • 1:1 iPad program with personalized tools
        • Director of Technology and Technology Integration Specialist who provides instructional and tech support for all students and teachers