Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) is dedicated to offering tailored educational programming that meets the diverse needs of its students. Among the exemplary programs offered is the SKILLs Program, hosted at Dr. K.A. Clark School.
This unique initiative is designed to support students in grades 4 to 6 diagnosed with learning disabilities. Recognizing that learning disabilities can present a complex range of challenges that vary significantly from one student to another, the SKILLs Program aims to provide a flexible and accommodating learning environment.
Program Goals
The paramount objective of the SKILLs Program is to foster a nurturing educational environment that encourages substantial academic and personal growth. Through specialized instruction tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, the program strives to:
- Improve Academic Skills: Elevating students' proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and comprehension.
- Develop Management Strategies: Equipping students with effective strategies to manage and overcome their learning challenges. The ultimate aim is for students to reintegrate into regular programming, equipped with a stronger academic foundation and self-management strategies.
Benefits of Enrolling in the SKILLs Program
Students who participate in the SKILLs Program can expect a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the classroom, including:
- Enhanced reading, writing, listening, and comprehension skills, leading to overall academic improvement.
- Mastery in applying strategies for studying, organizing information, and enhancing memory.
- Fostered independence in learning through goal setting, planning, and progress monitoring.
Program Delivery
To ensure the effectiveness of the program, the SKILLs Program utilizes:
- Visual aids, concrete examples, and engaging hands-on activities to facilitate learning.
- Smaller class sizes allow for targeted instruction addressing each student's needs.
- Opportunities for students to participate in other classes that align with their strengths, fostering a holistic educational experience.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SKILLs Program, candidates must:
- Be enrolled in grades 4 to 6 within the FMPSD.
- Have a diagnosed learning disability.
- Significant academic delays despite adequate intellectual, linguistic, sensory, and emotional development.
Adherence to the Alberta Curriculum
Consistent with all FMPSD programming, the SKILLs Program follows the Alberta Education curriculum. A pivotal aspect of the initiative is ensuring that students enrolled in the SKILLs Program receive the same high-quality education as their peers. This adherence guarantees that all skills and knowledge acquired are aligned with provincial standards, promoting consistency and excellence in education across the district.
Location
The SKILLs Program is centrally located at Dr. K.A. Clark Elementary School, providing an accessible and welcoming environment for eligible students to thrive.
A Path Forward
The SKILLs Program represents the FMPSD’s commitment to inclusive education, offering a path forward for students with learning disabilities. By creating an environment where these students can flourish academically and personally, the SKILLs Program plays a crucial role in fulfilling FMPSD’s mission to provide excellence in education.