MAP Credo
Do not judge others
You get out of any experience what you put into it
Treat others with the respect you then also deserve
The Multisensory Academy of Practitioners (MAP) is an example of the continuing commitment of the Forsyth Country Day School Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff toward ensuring that all students – despite specified learning differences – have the opportunity to achieve success throughout their high school experience and beyond. The MAP program is designed to go beyond even the extensive programs offered through the Johnson Academic Center (JAC) as students, in grades seven through 12, who excel in small, individualized, and multisensory academic settings are challenged by exceptional educators and aided by extensive assistive technology. Below is a list of features included in the MAP experience. The features unique to MAP are highlighted in red text. Other features are shared by both the JAC and the MAP program.
- multi-sensory methodologies used to teach the entire FCDS college-preparatory core curriculum
- methodologies are research-based and designed to be exported for use with partner schools
- methodologies are individually selected to meet the needs of each student
- methodologies are designed specifically for students with language based learning differences but may benefit a wide range of students
- remedial language work - when necessary
- Wilson Language Training completed by skilled specialists
- other remediation resources also employed: Orton Gillingham method, Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, Autoskill software
- unique electives
- SAT prep: specializing in preparations for LD students - when necessary
- Outdoor Education: includes team building, orienteering, construction and maintenance of outdoor classrooms, and other outdoor hints and tips for hikers and backpackers
- Communication Arts: features presentation techniques, public speaking strategies, story-telling, and a drama element to help students become comfortable speaking in small groups as well as in front of large crowds. Self-advocacy is a key focus of this educational experience
- Executive Function Skills: focuses on goal setting, time management, study skills, organizational techniques, social cues training, and sequencing skills
- IQ (apparent relative intelligence) gets you through school while EQ (emotional intelligence) gets you through life
- a personal tablet PC for each student
- the tablet PC features robust assistive technology in addition to functionality to assist with organization, note taking, and communication skills
- tablet PC functionality to be used: Sticky Notes, Microsoft Journal, Equation Writer, GoBinder, Ink Flashcards, One Note, Ink Desktop, Snipping Tool, Ink Art, and Media Transfer
- each faculty member will also infuse tablet PC functionality into lesson plans and virtual language labs are established for those students studying a foreign language or participating in English remediation
- the tablet PC features robust assistive technology in addition to functionality to assist with organization, note taking, and communication skills
- extensive use of assistive technology
- software: Inspiration, Kurzweil, Dragon Speak, Microsoft Enhanced Ink Experience, ATLAS, PowerPoint, Word, Photoshop, and more.
- digitally recorded texts and novels
- digital video recordings of educational sessions allow practitioners, students, and families to observe lesson plans and student progress
- 360˚ Feedback: the ATLAS allows monitoring of student progress through input from practitioners, parents, and students
- mandatory tutorial periods at the end of each academic day
- daily tutorial periods monitored by the expert faculty between 3:15 – 3:45pm Monday through Thursday
- additional tutorial periods will be scheduled according to individual student needs
- thematic study
- in addition to cross-curriculum lesson plans, practitioners will be structuring lessons around pre-defined themes based on the MAP Credo
- individualized college counseling resources for each student
- continuing research identifies colleges and universities with LD support
- onsite research tests effectiveness of various methodologies for students with specific learning differences
- research is conducted in concert with psychologists, neuropsychologists, and LD research specialists
- class sizes no larger than three (3) students for all core-curriculum classes
- one-on-one educational settings are available when necessary
- leadership opportunities
- students in the MAP program are encouraged to join the extensive list of clubs, student government, and co-curricular activities (including the performing arts and athletics) offered at FCDS
- peer-to-peer teaching will take place as each MAP class will work with a “buddy class” in the FCDS Middle or Upper School
- skilled practitioners
- MAP features practitioners with specializations in various forms of LD support as well as discipline-specific specialists
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the director:
Kristen Ring 336-945-3151 ext. 348