Academic Guidance and Learning Support

Saint Catherine of Siena Academy is committed to providing all students with a successful college preparatory experience.

We believe that every student has unique gifts and we embrace our mission of bringing these gifts to life. As we challenge students in both mind and heart, we recognize that each student learns differently. SCA’s Academic Guidance and Learning Support Program ensures that students who require additional support have opportunities to develop their full academic potential. Students work closely with the counselors, learning specialists, and teachers to create a plan that supports their academic goals in college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement courses.

To ensure the curriculum is accessible to all students, SCA utilizes a tiered system of support for students who experience academic challenges. Each tier provides support based on academic strengths and learning needs while developing college-readiness, independence, and self advocacy skills.

All students receive Tier 1 instruction with universal classroom support systems. Students who experience academic challenges within Tier 1 are referred to the Learning Support Team where staff determine eligibility for Tier 2 interventions. For students with documented medical conditions or diagnosed learning differences, staff use an evaluation process to determine eligibility for Tier 3 accommodations. Data-driven processes identify students' academic needs at all levels. Progress monitoring occurs at each level for all students. 

Tier 1: Core Instruction and Universal Systems

SCA offers all students a high-quality, rigorous college preparatory curriculum in which the Universal Design for Learning Framework guides instructional goals, assessments, methods, and materials to meet students’ needs in the classroom.

Tier 2: Targeted Interventions 

Eligible students requiring supplemental support to Tier 1 instruction receive access to interventions that target specific areas of need. Staff make a referral to the Learning Support Team to determine eligibility. Interventions may include access to one or more of the following:

• Study guides for unit assessments
• Outlines/graphic organizers for essays
• Rubrics for lengthy projects or essays
• Word processing for lengthy written assignments
• Preferential seating
• Copy of class notes

Tier 3: Individualized Accommodations

Eligible students requiring individualized support receive accommodations in addition to Tier 1 instruction and appropriate Tier 2 interventions. In order to be considered for accommodations, an application and required documentation must be submitted to the Counseling Department. An evaluation process determines eligibility. Accommodations may include one of more of the following:

• Extended time for assessments (1.5x)
• Alternate location for assessments
• Tests read aloud