SOAR Curriculum | Berean Christian

SOAR Program

For Dyslexia & Other Learning Differences

Elementary SOAR students use the Berean's core curriculum for Science and Social studies. However, full time SOAR students are taught in self-contained classes of 5-7 students per grade level. Each core subject is taught by a SOAR teacher. Teachers adapt our core curriculum to make subjects accessible to students. Reading, math, and Bible classes use a variety of curricula; each adapted to help SOAR students succeed.

Orton-Gillingham Approach

Dyslexia is a language disorder most commonly known for students struggling to decode words. Full time lower campus SOAR students receive daily, targeted, phonics instruction. Ms. Rachel Carroll is our phonics teacher, however, all of our SOAR teachers use the Orton-Gillingham Approach and are OG certified.

"The Orton-Gillingham Approach always is focused upon the learning needs of the individual student. Orton-Gillingham (OG) practitioners design lessons and materials to work with students at the level they present by pacing instruction and the introduction of new materials to their individual strengths and weaknesses. Students with dyslexia need to master the same basic knowledge about language and its relationship to our writing system as any who seek to become competent readers and writers. However, because of their dyslexia, they need more help than most people in sorting, recognizing, and organizing the raw materials of language for thinking and use. Language elements that non-dyslexic learners acquire easily must be taught directly and systematically."

Sensory Needs, ADHD, and Executive Functioning

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Small class sizes provide students with close proximity seating to teachers. All classrooms have flexible seating options.

Each Friday, we have what's called "Fabulous Friday," where all Elementary SOAR students receive an Occupational Therapy lesson.

Teachers use the curriculum "Handwriting Without Tears," a nationally recognized program by Occupational Therapists, for print and cursive instruction.

Math

Many of our SOAR students struggle with dyscalculia as well as dyslexia. "Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability with an impairment in mathematics, which can affect calculations, problem solving, or both. It impacts all sorts of numerical tasks and it is inborn, meaning you are born with it. Although there is not yet a generally accepted definition of dyscalculia, the DSM-5 mentions difficulties with number sense, memorization of basic math facts, and accurate and fluent calculation. An estimated 4-7% of students have dyscalculia, so a teacher can expect to have one or two students with this per class." - Learning Disabilities Association of America

Mrs. Christy Clapp is our fabulous Lower Campus SOAR math teacher. Mrs. Clapp uses grade level curriculum, but adapts it in a way that helps students who struggle to read and calculate.

English Language Arts

Dyslexia isn't just a learning disorder that affects decoding words. It is a language disorder, affecting the brain's understanding of things like sentence structure, grammar, sequencing, and writing.

Beth Parker is our amazing Lower Campus ELA teacher. "English Language Arts" refers to the broader academic umbrella of studying English: writing, grammar, language, and literature.

Students in Mrs. Parker's class receive grade level instruction, but in a way that is accessible for students with dyslexia. This may mean high quality literature is read aloud, some writing can be typed via voice-to-text technology, students participate in hands-on, kinesthetic activities, and use Learning Ally (an audiobook service) and Bookshare (audio online book service).

Middle and High school SOAR students use the standard curriculum of the school. SOAR support is provided every day during a specific class period. Students go to the Upper Campus SOAR Classroom, where they receive individualized support. This looks like weekly organization using an agenda, private tutoring when applicable, one-on-one homework help, goal setting, and learning accommodations.